Location-based context for UI components

ABSTRACT

An Intelligent TV having a silo manager, a panel manager and a panel controller. The various managers and controllers managing a global panel and an application panel. The global panel includes various types of information and the various types of input and content available. The global panel includes various information including, for example, Live TV information, on demand information, media center information, application information, HDMI 1 information, HDMI 2 information, HDMI 3 information, component 1 information, component 2 information, AV 1 information, AV 2 information, VGA information, as well as an option to hide undetected inputs. The application panel is dynamic and can optionally change based on one or more of context and content of the underlying application being viewed. The application panel can include various subcategories of information, with the number and type of the subcategories also capable of being dynamic based on the underlying context or content.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefits of and priority, under 35U.S.C. §119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/684,672filed Aug. 17, 2012, “Smart TV”; 61/702,650 filed Sep. 18, 2012, “SmartTV”; 61/697,710 filed Sep. 6, 2012, “Social TV”; 61/700,182 filed Sep.12, 2012, “Social TV Roadmap”; 61/736,692 filed Dec. 13, 2012,“SmartTV”; 61/798,821 filed Mar. 15, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/804,942 filedMar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/804,998 filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”;61/804,971 filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/804,990 filed Mar. 25,2013, “SmartTV”; 61/805,003 filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/805,053filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/805,030 filed Mar. 25, 2013,“SmartTV”; 61/805,027 filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/805,042 filedMar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; and 61/805,038 filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV.”Each of the aforementioned documents is incorporated herein by referencein their entirety for all that they teach and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Consolidation of device features or technological convergence is in anincreasing trend. Technological convergence describes the tendency fordifferent technological systems to evolve toward performing similartasks. As people use more devices, the need to carry those devices,charge those devices, update software on those devices, etc. becomesmore cumbersome. To compensate for these problems, technology companieshave been integrating features from different devices into one or twomulti-functional devices. For example, cellular phones are now capableof accessing the Internet, taking photographs, providing calendarfunctions, etc.

The consolidation trend is now affecting the design and functionality ofdevices generally used in the home. For example, audio receivers canaccess the Internet, digital video recorders can store or provide accessto digital photographs, etc. The television in home audio/video systemsremains a cornerstone device because the display function cannot beintegrated into other devices. As such, consolidating home devices leadsto integrating features and functionality into the television. Theemergence of the Smart Television (Smart TV) is evidence of the trend toconsolidate functionality into the television.

A Smart TV is generally conceived as a device that integrates access tothe Internet and Web 2.0 features into television sets. The Smart TVrepresents the trend of technological convergence between computers andtelevision sets. The Smart TV generally focuses on online interactivemedia, Internet TV, on-demand streaming media, and generally does notfocus on traditional broadcast media. Unfortunately, most Smart TVs haveyet to provide seamless and intuitive user interfaces for navigatingand/or executing the various features of the Smart TV. As such, thereare still issues with the consolidation of features and the presentationof these features in Smart TVs.

SUMMARY

There is a need for an Intelligent TV with intuitive user interfaces andwith seamless user interaction capability. These and other needs areaddressed by the various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations ofthe present disclosure. Also, while the disclosure is presented in termsof exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that individualaspects of the disclosure can be separately claimed.

A first exemplary aspect is directed toward:

-   1. A method of managing an application panel on an intelligent TV    comprising:-   detecting a request to invoke the application panel;-   detecting one or more of displayed content on the intelligent TV and    context information;-   determining information to display in the application panel based on    the one or more of displayed content on the intelligent TV and the    context information; and-   displaying the application panel on a display of the intelligent TV    including the determined information.-   2. The method of aspect 1, wherein the application panel hovers    above background content and is partially transparent.-   3. The method of aspect 2, further comprising continuing to display    active background content.-   4. The method of aspect 2, wherein the background content is Live    TV, on demand content, media center content, applications or content    from other inputs.-   5. The method of aspect 4, wherein the application panel is    dynamically updated based on the background content.-   6. The method of aspect 1, further comprising determining and    providing one or more sub-categories of information in the    application panel.-   7. The method of aspect 1, further comprising determining and    providing one or more sub-categories of selectable information in    the application panel.-   8. The method of aspect 1, wherein the application panel includes    executable portions.-   9. The method of aspect 1, wherein the application panel includes an    information portion, a new portion, a recommended portion, a genre    portion, an electronic program guide, a category portion, a    favorites portion and a search portion.-   10. A non-transitory computer readable information storage media    having stored thereon instructions, that when executed by one or    more processors, cause to be performed the method steps in aspect 1.

A second exemplary aspect is directed toward:

-   11. A system to manage an application panel on an intelligent TV    comprising:-   a processor adapted to detect a request to invoke the application    panel;-   a panel controller adapted to detect one or more of displayed    content on the intelligent TV and context information;-   a silo application adapted to determine information to display in    the application panel based on the one or more of displayed content    on the intelligent TV and the context information; and-   a display controller adapted to display the application panel on a    display of the intelligent TV including the determined information.-   12. The system of aspect 11, wherein the application panel hovers    above background content and is partially transparent.-   13. The system of aspect 12, wherein active background content is    displayed.-   14. The system of aspect 12, wherein the background content is Live    TV, on demand content, media center content, applications or content    from other inputs.-   15. The system of aspect 14, wherein the application panel is    dynamically updated based on the background content.-   16. The system of aspect 11, further comprising a content    presentation service adapted to determine and provide one or more    sub-categories of information in the application panel.-   17. The system of aspect 11, a content presentation service adapted    to determine and provide one or more sub-categories of selectable    information in the application panel.-   18. The system of aspect 11, wherein the application panel includes    executable portions.-   19. The system of aspect 11, wherein the application panel includes    an information portion, a new portion, a recommended portion, a    genre portion, an electronic program guide, a category portion, a    favorites portion and a search portion.

A third exemplary aspect is directed toward:

-   20. A system that manages an application panel on an intelligent TV    comprising:-   means for detecting a request to invoke the application panel;-   means for detecting one or more of displayed content on the    intelligent TV and context information;-   means for determining information to display in the application    panel based on the one or more of displayed content on the    intelligent TV and the context information; and-   means for displaying the application panel on a display of the    intelligent TV including the determined information.

A fourth exemplary aspect is directed toward:

-   1. A method of managing one or more silos on an intelligent TV    comprising:-   detecting a request to access a silo, the silo representing an    application resident on either the intelligent TV or remotely;-   detecting whether another silo is already active on the intelligent    TV;-   transitioning, using a sliding effect, to displaying the silo;-   enabling content associated with the silo; and-   displaying the silo on a display of the intelligent TV.-   2. The method of aspect 1, wherein the silo corresponds to Live TV,    on demand content, media center content, applications or content    from other inputs.-   3. The method of aspect 1, wherein available silos are displayed in    a strip or grid.-   4. The method of aspect 3, further comprising shrinking the another    silo into the strip or the grid and expanding a selected silo from    the strip or the grid to full screen.-   5. The method of aspect 1, further comprising maintaining an order    of a plurality of silos displayed in a strip or a grid.-   6. The method of aspect 1, further comprising providing an    indication of a selected silo.-   7. The method of aspect 1, further comprising displaying a    placeholder image during the transitioning.-   8. The method of aspect 1, further comprising enabling dynamic    content within a displayed silo.-   9. The method of aspect 1, wherein the silo displays selectable    content and the silo includes one or more subcategories of    information.-   10. A non-transitory computer readable information storage media    having stored thereon instructions, that when executed by one or    more processors, cause to be performed the method steps in aspect 1.

A fifth exemplary aspect is directed toward:

-   11. A system to manage one or more silos on an intelligent TV    comprising:-   a processor adapted to detect a request to access a silo, the silo    representing an application resident on either the intelligent TV or    remotely;-   a silo manager adapted to detect whether another silo is already    active on the intelligent TV;-   a silo transition controller adapted to transition, using a sliding    effect, to displaying the silo;-   a user interface application adapted to enable content associated    with the silo and display the silo on a display of the intelligent    TV.-   12. The system of aspect 11, wherein the silo corresponds to Live    TV, on demand content, media center content, applications or content    from other inputs.-   13. The system of aspect 11, wherein available silos are displayed    in a strip or grid.-   14. The system of aspect 13, wherein the another silo is shrunk silo    into the strip or the grid and a selected silo is expanded from the    strip or the grid to full screen.-   15. The system of aspect 11, wherein an order of a plurality of    silos displayed in a strip or a grid is maintained.-   16. The system of aspect 11, further comprising a notification panel    that provides an indication of a selected silo.-   17. The system of aspect 11, wherein a placeholder image is    displayed during the transitioning.-   18. The system of aspect 11, wherein dynamic content is enabled    within a displayed silo.-   19. The system of aspect 11, wherein the silo displays selectable    content and the silo includes one or more subcategories of    information.

A sixth exemplary aspect is directed toward:

-   20. A system to manage one or more silos on an intelligent TV    comprising:-   means for detecting a request to access a silo, the silo    representing an application resident on either the intelligent TV or    remotely;-   means for detecting whether another silo is already active on the    intelligent TV;-   means for transitioning, using a sliding effect, to displaying the    silo;-   means for enabling content associated with the silo; and-   means for displaying the silo on a display of the intelligent TV.

A seventh exemplary aspect is directed toward:

-   1. A method of managing a panel on an intelligent TV comprising:-   detecting a location of the panel and one or more of: displayed    content on the intelligent TV and context information;-   determining information to display in the panel based at least on    the location of the panel; and-   displaying the panel on a display of the intelligent TV including    the determined information.-   2. The method of aspect 1, wherein the panel hovers above background    content and is partially transparent.-   3. The method of aspect 2, further comprising continuing to display    active background content.-   4. The method of aspect 2, wherein the background content is Live    TV, on demand content, media center content, applications or content    from other inputs.-   5. The method of aspect 4, wherein the panel is dynamically updated    based on the location and background content.-   6. The method of aspect 1, further comprising determining and    providing one or more sub-categories of information in the panel.-   7. The method of aspect 1, further comprising determining and    providing one or more sub-categories of selectable information in    the panel.-   8. The method of aspect 1, wherein the panel includes executable    portions.-   9. The method of aspect 1, wherein the location of the panel is top,    bottom, left side or right side.-   10. A non-transitory computer readable information storage media    having stored thereon instructions, that when executed by one or    more processors, cause to be performed the method steps in aspect 1.

An eighth exemplary aspect is directed toward:

-   11. A system to manage a panel on an intelligent TV comprising:-   a panel controller adapted to detect a location of the panel and one    or more of: displayed content on the intelligent TV and context    information;-   a silo application adapted to determine information to display in    the panel based at least on the location of the panel; and-   a display controller adapted to display the panel on a display of    the intelligent TV including the determined information.-   12. The system of aspect 11, wherein the panel hovers above    background content and is partially transparent.-   13. The system of aspect 12, wherein active background content is    displayed.-   14. The system of aspect 12, wherein the background content is Live    TV, on demand content, media center content, applications or content    from other inputs.-   15. The system of aspect 14, wherein the panel is dynamically    updated based on the background content.-   16. The system of aspect 11, further comprising a content    presentation service adapted to determine and provide one or more    sub-categories of information in the panel.-   17. The system of aspect 11, a content presentation service adapted    to determine and provide one or more sub-categories of selectable    information in the panel.-   18. The system of aspect 11, wherein the panel includes executable    portions.-   19. The system of aspect 11, wherein the location of the panel is    top, bottom, left side or right side.

A ninth exemplary aspect is directed toward:

-   20. A system that manages a panel on an intelligent TV comprising:-   detecting a location of the panel and one or more of: displayed    content on the intelligent TV and context information;-   determining information to display in the panel based at least on    the location of the panel; and-   displaying the panel on a display of the intelligent TV including    the determined information.

The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages depending onthe particular aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. These and otheradvantages will be apparent from the disclosure.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-endedexpressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. Forexample, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at leastone of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B,or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. Assuch, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can beused interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms“comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers toany process or operation done without material human input when theprocess or operation is performed. However, a process or operation canbe automatic, even though performance of the process or operation usesmaterial or immaterial human input, if the input is received beforeperformance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to bematerial if such input influences how the process or operation will beperformed. Human input that consents to the performance of the processor operation is not deemed to be “material.”

A “blog” (a blend of the term web log) is a type of website or part of awebsite supposed to be updated with new content from time to time. Blogsare usually maintained by an individual with regular entries ofcommentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphicsor video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order.

A “blogging service” is a blog-publishing service that allows private ormulti-user blogs with time-stamped entries.

The term “cable TV” refers to a system of distributing televisionprograms to subscribers via radio frequency (RF) signals transmittedthrough coaxial cables or light pulses through fiber-optic cables. Thiscontrasts with traditional broadcast television (terrestrial television)in which the television signal is transmitted over the air by radiowaves and received by a television antenna attached to the television.

The term “channel” or “television channel,” as used herein, can be aphysical or virtual channel over which a television station ortelevision network is distributed. A physical cannel in analogtelevision can be an amount of bandwidth, typically 6, 7, or 8 MHz, thatoccupies a predetermine channel frequency. A virtual channel is arepresentation, in cable or satellite television, of a data stream for aparticular television media provider (e.g., CDS, TNT, HBO, etc.).

The term “computer-readable medium,” as used herein, refers to anytangible storage and/or transmission medium that participate inproviding instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium maytake many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media,volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, forexample, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includesdynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readablemedia include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk,magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, aCD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any otherphysical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, aFLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other memorychip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any othermedium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment toe-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives isconsidered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storagemedium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, itis to be understood that the database may be any type of database, suchas relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storagemedium or distribution medium and prior art-recognized equivalents andsuccessor media, in which the software implementations of the presentdisclosure are stored.

The term “enhanced television” (ETV) refers to a collection ofspecifications developed under the OpenCable project of CableLabs (CableTelevision Laboratories, Inc.) that define an ETV Application consistingof resources (files) adhering to the Enhanced TV Binary InterchangeFormat (EBIF) content format as well as PNG images, JPEG images, and PFRdownloadable fonts. An ETV application is normally delivered through anMPEG transport stream and accompanies an MPEG program containing videoand audio elementary streams. An “ETV Application” is a collection ofresources (files) that include one or more EBIF resources that representviewable information in the form of pages. Two forms of a given ETVApplication may be distinguished: (1) an interchange form and (2) anexecution form. The interchange form of an ETV Application consists ofthe resources (files) that represent the compiled application prior toits actual execution by an ETV User Agent. The execution form of an ETVApplication consists of the stored, and possibly mutated forms of theseresources while being decoded, presented, and executed by an ETV UserAgent. An “ETV User Agent” is a software component that operates on aset-top box, a television, or any other computing environment capable ofreceiving, decoding, presenting, and processing an ETV Application. Thiscomponent usually provides, along with its host hardware environment,one or more mechanisms for an end-user to navigate and interact with themultimedia content represented by ETV Applications.

The term “high-definition television” (HDTV) provides a resolution thatis substantially higher than that of standard-definition television.HDTV may be transmitted in various formats, namely 1080p−1920×1080p:2,073,600 pixels (approximately 2.1 megapixels) per frame, 1080i (whichis typically either 1920×1080i: 1,036,800 pixels (approximately 1megapixel) per field or 2,073,600 pixels (approximately 2.1 megapixels)per frame or 1440×1080i:[1] 777,600 pixels (approximately 0.8megapixels) per field or 1,555,200 pixels (approximately 1.6 megapixels)per frame), or 720p−1280×720p: 921,600 pixels (approximately 0.9megapixels) per frame. As will be appreciated, “frame size” in pixels isdefined as number of horizontal pixels×number of vertical pixels, forexample 1280×720 or 1920×1080. Often the number of horizontal pixels isimplied from context and is omitted, as in the case of 720p and 1080p,“scanning system” is identified with the letter “p” for progressivescanning or “i” for interlaced scanning, and “frame rate” is identifiedas number of video frames per second. For interlaced systems analternative form of specifying number of fields per second is oftenused. For purposes of this disclosure, high-definition television” isdeemed to include other high-definition analog or digital video formats,including ultra high definition television.

The term “internet television” (otherwise known as Internet TV, OnlineTelevision, or Online TV) is the digital distribution of televisioncontent via the Internet. It should not be confused with Webtelevision—short programs or videos created by a wide variety ofcompanies and individuals, or Internet protocol television (IPTV)—anemerging internet technology standard for use by televisionbroadcasters. Internet Television is a general term that covers thedelivery of television shows and other video content over the internetby video streaming technology, typically by major traditional televisionbroadcasters. It does not describe a technology used to deliver content(see Internet protocol television). Internet television has become verypopular through services such as RTÉ Player in Ireland; BBC iPlayer,4oD, ITV Player (also STV Player and UTV Player) and Demand Five in theUnited Kingdom; Hulu in the United States; Nederland 24 in theNetherlands; ABC iview and Australia Live TV in Australia; Tivibu inTurkey; and iWanTV! in the Philippines.

The term “internet protocol television” (IPTV) refers to a systemthrough which television services are delivered using the Internetprotocol suite over a packet-switched network such as the Internet,instead of being delivered through traditional terrestrial, satellitesignal, and cable television formats. IPTV services may be classifiedinto three main groups, namely live television, with or withoutinteractivity related to the current TV show; time-shifted television:catch-up TV (replays a TV show that was broadcast hours or days ago),start-over TV (replays the current TV show from its beginning); andvideo on demand (VOD): browse a catalog of videos, not related to TVprogramming. IPTV is distinguished from Internet television by itson-going standardization process (e.g., European TelecommunicationsStandards Institute) and preferential deployment scenarios insubscriber-based telecommunications networks with high-speed accesschannels into end-user premises via set-top boxes or othercustomer-premises equipment.

The term “silo,” as used herein, can be a logical representation of aninput, source, or application. An input can be a device or devices(e.g., DVD, VCR, etc.) electrically connected to the television througha port (e.g., HDMI, video/audio inputs, etc.) or through a network(e.g., LAN WAN, etc.). Rather than a device or devices, the input couldbe configured as an electrical or physical connection to one or moredevices. A source, particularly a content source, can be a data servicethat provides content (e.g., a media center, a file system, etc.). Anapplication can be a software service that provides a particular type offunction (e.g., Live TV, Video on Demand, User Applications, photographdisplay, etc.). The silo, as a logical representation, can have anassociated definition or property, such as a setting, feature, or othercharacteristic.

The term “panel,” as used herein, can mean a user interface displayed inat least a portion of the display. The panel may be interactive (e.g.,accepts user input) or informational (e.g., does not accept user input).A panel may be translucent whereby the panel obscures but does not maskthe underlying content being displayed in the display. Panels may beprovided in response to a user input from a button or remote controlinterface.

The term “screen,” as used herein, refers to a physical structure thatincludes one or more hardware components that provide the device withthe ability to render a user interface and/or receive user input. Ascreen can encompass any combination of gesture capture region, a touchsensitive display, and/or a configurable area. The device can have oneor more physical screens embedded in the hardware. However a screen mayalso include an external peripheral device that may be attached anddetached from the device. In embodiments, multiple external devices maybe attached to the device. For example, another screen may be includedwith a remote control unit that interfaces with the Intelligent TV.

The term “media” of “multimedia,” as used herein, refers to content thatmay assume one of a combination of different content forms. Multimediacan include one or more of, but is not limited to, text, audio, stillimages, animation, video, or interactivity content forms.

The term “Intelligent TV,” as used herein, refers to a televisionconfigured to provide one or more intuitive user interfaces andinteractions based on a unique application platform and architecture.The Intelligent TV utilizes processing resources associated with thetelevision to integrate Internet connectivity with parallel applicationfunctionality. This integration allows a user the ability to intuitivelyaccess various sources of media and content (e.g., Internet,over-the-top content, on-demand streaming media, over-the-air broadcastmedia, and/or other forms of information) via the Intelligent TV in aquick and efficient manner. Although the Intelligent TV disclosed hereinmay comprise one or more components of a “smart TV,” it is an aspect ofthe Intelligent TV to provide expanded intuitive user interactioncapability for navigating and executing the various features of thetelevision. A “smart TV,” sometimes referred to as a connected TV, orhybrid TV (not to be confused with IPTV, Internet TV, or with Web TV),describes a trend of integration of the Internet and Web 2.0 featuresinto television sets and set-top boxes, as well as the technologicalconvergence between computers and these television sets/set-top boxes.The smart TV devices have a higher focus on online interactive media,Internet TV, over-the-top content, as well as on-demand streaming media,and less focus on traditional broadcast media than traditionaltelevision sets and set-top boxes. As can be appreciated, theIntelligent TV encompasses a broader range of technology than that ofthe smart TV defined above.

The term “television” is a telecommunication medium, device (or set) orset of associated devices, programming, and/or transmission fortransmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome(black-and-white) or colored, with or without accompanying sound.Different countries use one of the three main video standards for TVs,namely PAL, NTSC or SECAM. Television is most commonly used fordisplaying broadcast television signals. The broadcast television systemis typically disseminated via radio transmissions on designated channelsin the 54-890 MHz frequency band. A common television set comprisesmultiple internal electronic circuits, including those for receiving anddecoding broadcast signals. A visual display device which lacks a tuneris properly called a video monitor, rather than a television. Atelevision may be different from other monitors or displays based on thedistance maintained between the user and the television when the userwatches the media and based on the inclusion of a tuner or otherelectronic circuit to receive the broadcast television signal.

The term “Live TV,” as used herein, refers to a television productionbroadcast in real-time, as events happen, in the present.

The term “standard-definition television” (SDTV) is a television systemthat uses a resolution that is not considered to be eitherhigh-definition television (HDTV 720p and 1080p) or enhanced-definitiontelevision (EDTV 480p). The two common SDTV signal types are 576i, with576 interlaced lines of resolution, derived from the European-developedPAL and SECAM systems; and 480i based on the American NationalTelevision System Committee NTSC system. In the US, digital SDTV isbroadcast in the same 4:3 aspect ratio as NTSC signals. However, inother parts of the world that used the PAL or SECAM analog standards,standard-definition television is now usually shown with a 16:9 aspectratio. Standards that support digital SDTV broadcast include DVB, ATSCand ISDB. Television signals are transmitted in digital form, and theirpixels have a rectangular shape, as opposed to square pixels that areused in modern computer monitors and modern implementations of HDTV. Thetable below summarizes pixel aspect ratios for various kinds of SDTVvideo signal. Note that the actual image (be it 4:3 or 16:9) is alwayscontained in the center 704 horizontal pixels of the digital frame,regardless of how many horizontal pixels (704 or 720) are used. In caseof digital video signal having 720 horizontal pixels, only the center704 pixels contain actual 4:3 or 16:9 image, and the 8 pixel widestripes from either side are called nominal analogue blanking and shouldbe discarded before displaying the image. Nominal analogue blankingshould not be confused with overscan, as overscan areas are part of theactual 4:3 or 16:9 image.

The term “video on demand (VOD),” as used herein, refers to systems andprocesses which allow users to select and watch/listen to video or audiocontent on demand. VOD systems may stream content, to view the contentin real time, or download the content to a storage medium for viewing ata later time.

The term “satellite positioning system receiver” refers to a wirelessreceiver or transceiver to receive and/or send location signals fromand/or to a satellite positioning system, such as the Global PositioningSystem (“GPS”) (US), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo positioning system (EU),Compass navigation system (China), and Regional Navigational SatelliteSystem (India).

The term “display,” as used herein, refers to at least a portion of ascreen used to display the output of the television to a user. A displaymay be a single-screen display or a multi-screen display, referred to asa composite display. A composite display can encompass the touchsensitive display of one or more screens. A single physical screen caninclude multiple displays that are managed as separate logical displays.Thus, different content can be displayed on the separate displaysalthough part of the same physical screen.

The term “displayed image,” as used herein, refers to an image producedon the display. A typical displayed image is a television broadcast ormenu. The displayed image may occupy all or a portion of the display.

The term “display orientation,” as used herein, refers to the way inwhich a rectangular display is oriented by a user for viewing. The twomost common types of display orientation are portrait and landscape. Inlandscape mode, the display is oriented such that the width of thedisplay is greater than the height of the display (such as a 4:3 ratio,which is 4 units wide and 3 units tall, or a 16:9 ratio, which is 16units wide and 9 units tall). Stated differently, the longer dimensionof the display is oriented substantially horizontal in landscape modewhile the shorter dimension of the display is oriented substantiallyvertical. In the portrait mode, by contrast, the display is orientedsuch that the width of the display is less than the height of thedisplay. Stated differently, the shorter dimension of the display isoriented substantially horizontal in the portrait mode while the longerdimension of the display is oriented substantially vertical.

The term “module,” as used herein, refers to any known or laterdeveloped hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzylogic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable ofperforming the functionality associated with that element.

The terms “determine,” “calculate” and “compute,” and variationsthereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any typeof methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

The term “touch screen” or “touchscreen” refer to screen that canreceive user contact or other tactile input, such as a stylus. The touchscreen may sense user contact in a number of different ways, such as bya change in an electrical parameter (e.g., resistance or capacitance),acoustic wave variations, infrared radiation proximity detection, lightvariation detection, and the like. In a resistive touch screen, forexample, normally separated conductive and resistive metallic layers inthe screen pass an electrical current. When a user touches the screen,the two layers make contact in the contacted location, whereby a changein electrical field is noted and the coordinates of the contactedlocation calculated. In a capacitive touch screen, a capacitive layerstores electrical charge, which is discharged to the user upon contactwith the touch screen, causing a decrease in the charge of thecapacitive layer. The decrease is measured, and the contacted locationcoordinates determined. In a surface acoustic wave touch screen, anacoustic wave is transmitted through the screen, and the acoustic waveis disturbed by user contact. A receiving transducer detects the usercontact instance and determines the contacted location coordinates.

The term “web television” is original television content produced forbroadcast via the World Wide Web. Some major distributors of webtelevision are YouTube, Myspace, Newgrounds, Blip.tv, and Crackle.

The terms “instant message” and “instant messaging” refer to a form ofreal-time text communication between two or more people, typically basedon typed text.

The term “internet search engine” refers to a web search engine designedto search for information on the World Wide Web and FTP servers. Thesearch results are generally presented in a list of results oftenreferred to as SERFS, or “search engine results pages”. The informationmay include one or more of web pages, images, information and othertypes of files. Some search engines also mine data available indatabases or open directories. Web search engines work by storinginformation about many web pages, which they retrieve from the htmlitself. These pages are retrieved by a Web crawler (sometimes also knownas a spider)—an automated Web browser which follows every link on thesite. The contents of each page are then analyzed to determine how itshould be indexed (for example, words are extracted from the titles,headings, or special fields called meta tags). Data about web pages arestored in an index database for use in later queries. Some searchengines, such as Google™, store all or part of the source page (referredto as a cache) as well as information about the web pages, whereasothers, such as AltaVista™, store every word of every page they find.

The terms “online community”, “e-community”, or “virtual community” meana group of people that primarily interact via a computer network, ratherthan face to face, for social, professional, educational or otherpurposes. The interaction can use a variety of media formats, includingwikis, blogs, chat rooms, Internet forums, instant messaging, email, andother forms of electronic media. Many media formats are used in socialsoftware separately or in combination, including text-based chatroomsand forums that use voice, video text or avatars.

The term “remote control” refers to a component of an electronicsdevice, most commonly a television set, DVD player and/or home theatersystem for operating the device wirelessly, typically from a shortline-of-sight distance. Remote control normally uses infrared and/orradio frequency (RF) signaling and can include WiFi, wireless USB,Bluetooth™ connectivity, motion sensor enabled capabilities and/or voicecontrol. A touchscreen remote control is a handheld remote controldevice which uses a touchscreen user interface to replace most of thehard, built-in physical buttons used in normal remote control devices.

The term “satellite TV” refers to television programming delivered bythe means of communications satellites and received by an outdoorantenna, usually a parabolic reflector generally referred to as asatellite dish, and as far as household usage is concerned, a satellitereceiver either in the form of an external set-top box or a satellitetuner module built into a TV set.

The term “social network service” is a service provider that buildsonline communities of people, who share interests and/or activities, orwho are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others.Most social network services are web-based and provide a variety of waysfor users to interact, such as e-mail and instant messaging services.

The term “social network” refers to a web-based social network.

The term “gesture” refers to a user action that expresses an intendedidea, action, meaning, result, and/or outcome. The user action caninclude manipulating a device (e.g., opening or closing a device,changing a device orientation, moving a trackball or wheel, etc.),movement of a body part in relation to the device, movement of animplement or tool in relation to the device, audio inputs, etc. Agesture may be made on a device (such as on the screen) or with thedevice to interact with the device.

The term “gesture capture” refers to a sense or otherwise a detection ofan instance and/or type of user gesture. The gesture capture can occurin one or more areas of the screen, A gesture region can be on thedisplay, where it may be referred to as a touch sensitive display or offthe display where it may be referred to as a gesture capture area.

The term “electronic address” refers to any contactable address,including a telephone number, instant message handle, e-mail address,Universal Resource Locator (URL), Universal Resource Identifier (URI),Address of Record (AOR), electronic alias in a database, like addresses,and combinations thereof.

It shall be understood that the term “means,” as used herein, shall begiven its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.,Section 112, (f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means”shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and allof the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or actsand the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in thesummary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detaileddescription, abstract, and claims themselves.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide anunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neitheran extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its variousaspects, embodiments, and/or configurations. It is intended neither toidentify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate thescope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of thedisclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detaileddescription presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects,embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure are possibleutilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features setforth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A includes a first view of an embodiment of an environment or aintelligent television;

FIG. 1B includes a second view of an embodiment of an environment or aintelligent television;

FIG. 2A includes a first view of an embodiment of an intelligenttelevision;

FIG. 2B includes a second view of an embodiment of an intelligenttelevision;

FIG. 2C includes a third view of an embodiment of an intelligenttelevision;

FIG. 2D includes a fourth view of an embodiment of an intelligenttelevision;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the hardware of theintelligent television;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the intelligent televisionsoftware and/or firmware;

FIG. 5 is a second block diagram of an embodiment of the intelligenttelevision software and/or firmware;

FIG. 6 is a third block diagram of an embodiment of the intelligenttelevision software and/or firmware;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of a handheld remote control;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a remote control;

FIG. 9A is a bottom view of an embodiment of a remote control with ajoystick in a neutral position;

FIG. 9B is a bottom view of an embodiment of a remote control with thejoystick in a lower position;

FIG. 9C is a bottom view of an embodiment of a remote control with thejoystick in an upper position;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of a handheld remotecontrol;

FIG. 11A is a front view of an embodiment of an Intelligent TV screen;

FIG. 11B is a front view of an embodiment of an Intelligent TV screen;

FIG. 11C is a front view of an embodiment of an Intelligent TV screen;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a handheld remote controlof either FIG. 7 or 10;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a content data service;

FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary silos;

FIG. 15 illustrates the displaying of a selected silo;

FIG. 16 illustrates the commencement of switching to a different silo;

FIG. 17 illustrates the transition to a different silo;

FIG. 18 illustrates the displaying of a second silo;

FIG. 16A illustrates Live TV;

FIG. 19 illustrates On Demand;

FIG. 20 illustrates dynamic content;

FIG. 21 illustrates the media center;

FIG. 22 illustrates an application silo;

FIG. 23 illustrates an other input;

FIG. 24 illustrates the global panel;

FIG. 25 illustrates the global panel;

FIG. 26-47 illustrates various embodiments of the application panel;

FIG. 48 illustrates channel transition;

FIG. 49 illustrates channel transition;

FIG. 50 illustrates Live TV channel selection;

FIG. 51 illustrates favorites in Live TV channel selection;

FIG. 52 illustrates tuning to a Live TV channel;

FIG. 53 is a flowchart outlining an exemplary method of panel navigationand management; and

FIG. 54 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of channelnavigation.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have thesame reference label. Further, various components of the same type maybe distinguished by following the reference label by a letter thatdistinguishes among the similar components. If only the first referencelabel is used in the specification, the description is applicable to anyone of the similar components having the same first reference labelirrespective of the second reference label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Presented herein are embodiments of a device. The device can be anetwork-enabled telecommunications device, such as a television, anelectronic visual display device, or other smart device. The device caninclude one or more screens, or sections of a screen, that areconfigured to receive and present information from a number of sources.Further, the device can receive user input in unique ways. The overalldesign and functionality of the device provides for an enhanced userexperience making the device more useful and more efficient.

Intelligent Television (TV) Environment:

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an Intelligent TV, or device, 100 isshown. It is anticipated that the Intelligent TV 100 may be used forentertainment, business applications, social interaction, contentcreation and/or consumption, and to organize and control one or moreother devices that are in communication with the Intelligent TV 100. Ascan be appreciated, the Intelligent TV can be used to enhance the userinteractive experience whether at home or at work.

In some embodiments, the Intelligent TV 100 may be configured to receiveand understand a variety of user and/or device inputs. For example, auser may interface with the Intelligent TV 100 via one or more physicalor electrical controls, such as buttons, switches, touch sensitivescreens/regions (e.g., capacitive touch, resistive touch, etc.), and/orother controls associated with the Intelligent TV 100. In some cases,the Intelligent TV 100 may include the one or more interactive controls.Additionally or alternatively, the one or more controls may beassociated with a remote control. The remote control may communicatewith the Intelligent TV 100 via wired and/or wireless signals. As can beappreciated, the remote control may operate via radio frequency (RF),infrared (IR), and/or a specific wireless communications protocol (e.g.,Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, etc.). In some cases, the controls, whether physicalor electrical, may be configured (e.g., programmed) to suit a user'spreferences.

Additionally or alternatively, smart phones, tablets, computers,laptops, netbooks, and other smart devices may be used to control theIntelligent TV 100. For example, control of the Intelligent TV 100 maybe achieved via an application running on a smart device. Theapplication may be configured to present a user with various IntelligentTV 100 controls in an intuitive user interface (UI) on a screenassociated with the device 100. The screen may be a touch sensitive, ortouch screen, display. Selections input by a user via the UI may beconfigured to control the Intelligent TV 100 by the applicationaccessing one or more communication features associated with the smartdevice.

It is anticipated that the Intelligent TV 100 can receive input viavarious input devices including, but in no way limited to, video, audio,radio, light, tactile, and combinations thereof. Among other things,these input devices may be configured to allow the Intelligent TV 100 tosee, recognize, and react to user gestures. For instance, a user maytalk to the Intelligent TV 100 in a conversational manner. TheIntelligent TV 100 may hear and understand voice commands in a mannersimilar to a smart device's intelligent personal assistant andvoice-controlled navigator application (e.g., Apple's Siri, Android'sSkyvi, Robin, Iris, and other applications).

The Intelligent TV 100 may also be a communications device which canestablish network connections 104 through many alternate means,including wired 108 or wireless 112 means, over cellular networks 116 toconnect via cellular base antenna 142 to telephone networks operated bytelephone company 146, and by using a telephone line 120 to connect totelephone networks operated by telephone company 146. These connections104 enable the Intelligent TV 100 to access one or more communicationnetworks 132. The communication networks may comprise any type of knowncommunication medium or collection of communication media and may useany type of protocols to transport messages or signals betweenendpoints. The communication networks may include wired and/or wirelesscommunication technologies. The Internet is an example of communicationnetwork 132 that constitutes an Internet Protocol (IP) networkconsisting of many computers, computing networks, and othercommunication devices located all over the world, which are connectedthrough many telephone systems and other means.

Other examples of the communication network 132 include, withoutlimitation, a standard Plain Old Telephone System (POTS), an IntegratedServices Digital Network (ISDN), the Public Switched Telephone Network(PSTN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), acellular network, and any other type of packet-switched orcircuit-switched network known in the art. In addition, it can beappreciated that the communication network 132 need not be limited toany one network type, and instead may be comprised of a number ofdifferent networks and/or network types.

In some embodiments, the Intelligent TV 100 may be equipped withmultiple communication means. The multiple communication means may allowthe Intelligent TV 100 to communicate across Local Area Networks (LANs)124, wireless local area networks (WLANs) 128, and other networks 132.The networks 132 may be connected in a redundant manner to ensurenetwork access. In other words, if one connection is interrupted, theintelligent TV 100 can use an alternate communications path toreestablish and/or maintain the network connection 104. Among otherthings, the Intelligent TV 100 may use these network connections 104 tosend and receive information, interact with an electronic program guide(EPG) 136, receive software updates 140, contact customer service 144(e.g., to receive help or service, etc.), and/or access remotely storeddigital media libraries 148. In addition, these connections can allowthe Intelligent TV 100 to make phone calls, send and/or receive emailmessages, send and/or receive text messages (such as email and instantmessages), surf the Internet using an internet search engine, post blogsby a blogging service, and connect/interact with social media sitesand/or an online community (e.g., Facebook™, Twitter™, LinkedIn™,Pinterest™, Google+™, MySpace™, and the like) maintained by a socialnetwork service. In combination with other components of the IntelligentTV 100 described in more detail below, these network connections 104also enable the Intelligent TV 100 to conduct video teleconferences,electronic meetings, and other communications. The Intelligent TV 100may capture and store images and sound, using associated cameras,microphones, and other sensors. Additionally or alternatively, theIntelligent. TV 100 may create and save screen shots of media, images,and data displayed on a screen associated with the Intelligent TV 100.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the intelligent TV 100 can interact withother electronic devices 168 by either by the wired 108 and/or wireless112 connections. As described herein, components of the Intelligent TV100 allow the device 100 to be connected to devices 168 including, butnot limited to, DVD players 168 a, BluRay players 168 b, portabledigital media devices 168 c, smart phones 168 d, tablet devices 168 e,personal computers 168 f, external cable boxes 168 g, keyboards 168 h,pointing devices 168 i, printers 168 j, game controllers and/or gamepads 168 k, satellite dishes 168 l, external display devices 168 m, andother universal serial bus (USB), local area network (LAN), Bluetooth™,or high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) compliant devices, and/orwireless devices. When connected to an external cable box 168 g orsatellite dish 168 l, the Intelligent TV 100 can access additional mediacontent. Also, as further described below, the Intelligent TV 100 iscapable of receiving digital and/or analog signals broadcast by TVstations. The Intelligent TV 100 can be configured as one or more of astandard-definition television, enhanced television, and high-definitiontelevision. It may operate as one or more of cable, Internet, InternetProtocol, satellite, web, and/or smart television. The Intelligent TV100 may also be used to control the operation of, and may interfacewith, other smart components such as security systems 172, door/gatecontrollers 176, remote video cameras 180, lighting systems 184,thermostats 188, refrigerators 192, and other appliances.

Intelligent TV:

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate components of the Intelligent TV 100. In general,as shown by FIG. 2A, the Intelligent TV 100 can be supported by aremovable base or stand 204 that is attached to a frame 208. The frame208 surrounds edges of a display screen 212, leaving a front surface ofthe display screen 212 uncovered. The display screen 212 may comprise aLiquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, a plasma screen, Light EmittingDiode (LED) screen, or other screen types. In embodiments, the entirefront surface of the screen 212 may be touch sensitive and capable ofreceiving input by the user touching the front surface of the screen212.

The Intelligent TV 100 may include integrated speakers 216 and at leastone microphone 220. A first area of the frame 208 may comprise ahorizontal gesture capture region 224 and second areas comprise verticalgesture capture regions 228. The gesture capture regions 224, 228 maycomprise areas or regions that are capable of receiving input byrecognizing gestures made by the user, and in some examples, without theneed for the user to actually touch the screen 212 surface of theIntelligent TV 100. However, the gesture capture regions 224, 228 maynot include pixels that can perform a display function or capability.

One or more image capture devices 232, such as a camera, can be includedfor capturing still and/or video images. The image capture device 232can include or be associated with additional elements, such as a flashor other light source 236 and a range finding device 240 to assistfocusing of the image capture device. In addition, the microphone 220,gesture capture regions 224, 228, image capture devices 232, and therange finding device 240 may be used by the Intelligent TV 100 torecognize individual users. Additionally or alternatively, theIntelligent TV 100 may learn and remember preferences associated withthe individual users. In some embodiments, the learning and remembering(i.e., identifying and recalling stored information) may be associatedwith the recognition of a user.

An IR transmitter and receiver 244 may also be provided to connect theIntelligent TV 100 with a remote control device (not shown) or other IRdevices. Additionally or alternatively, the remote control device maytransmit wireless signals via RF, light, and/or a means other than IR.Also shown in FIG. 2A is an audio jack 248, which may be hidden behind apanel that is hinged or removable. The audio jack 248 accommodates atip, ring, sleeve (TRS) connector, for example, to allow the user toutilize headphones, a headset, or other external audio equipment.

The Intelligent TV 100 can also include a number of buttons 252. Forexample, FIG. 2A illustrates the buttons 252 on the top of theIntelligent TV 100, although the buttons could be placed at otherlocations. As shown, the Intelligent TV 100 includes six buttons 252a-f, which can be configured for specific inputs. For example, the firstbutton 252 a may be configured as an on/off button used to controloverall system power to the Intelligent TV 100. The buttons 252 may beconfigured to, in combination or alone, control a number of aspects ofthe Intelligent TV 100. Some non-limiting examples include, but are notlimited to, overall system volume, brightness, the image capture device,the microphone, and initiation/termination of a video conference.Instead of separate buttons, two of the buttons may be combined into arocker button. This rocker button arrangement may be useful insituations where the buttons are configured to control features such asvolume or brightness. In some embodiments, one or more of the buttons252 are capable of supporting different user commands. By way ofexample, a normal press has a duration commonly of less than about 1second and resembles a quick input. A medium press has a durationcommonly of 1 second or more but less than about 12 seconds. A longpress has a duration commonly of about 12 seconds or more. The functionof the buttons is normally specific to the application that is active onthe Intelligent TV 100. In the video conference application for instanceand depending on the particular button, a normal, medium, or long presscan mean end the video conference, increase or decrease the volume,increase a rate speed associated with a response to an input, and togglemicrophone mute. Depending on the particular button, a normal, medium,or long press can also control the image capture device 232 to increasezoom, decrease zoom, take a photograph, or record video.

In support of communications functions or capabilities, the IntelligentTV 100 can include one or more shared or dedicated antennae 256 andwired broadband connections 260 as shown in FIG. 2B. The antennae 256also enable the Intelligent TV 100 to receive digital and/or analogbroadcast TV channels. The wired broadband connections 260 are, forexample, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), an optical line, an Ethernetport, an IEEE 1394 interface, or other interfaces. The Intelligent TV100 also has a telephone line jack 262 to further provide communicationscapability.

In addition to the removable base 204, the Intelligent TV 100 mayinclude hardware and mounting points 264 on a rear surface to facilitatemounting the Intelligent TV 100 to a surface, such as a wall. In oneexample, the Intelligent TV 100 may incorporate at least one VideoEquipment Standards Association (VESA) mounting interface for attachingthe device 100 to the surface.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the Intelligent TV 100 may include dockinginterfaces or ports 268. The docking ports 268 may include proprietaryor universal ports to support the interconnection of the Intelligent TV100 to other devices or components, which may or may not includeadditional or different capabilities from those integral to theIntelligent TV 100. In addition to supporting an exchange ofcommunication signals between the Intelligent TV 100 and a connecteddevice or component, the docking ports 268 can support the supply ofpower to the connected device or component. The docking ports 268 canalso comprise an intelligent element that comprises a docking module forcontrolling communications or other interactions between the IntelligentTV 100 and the connected device or component.

The Intelligent TV 100 also includes a number of card slots 272 andnetwork or peripheral interface ports 276. The card slots 272 mayaccommodate different types of cards including subscriber identitymodules (SIM), secure digital (SD) cards, MiniSD cards, flash memorycards, and other cards. Ports 276 in embodiments may includeinput/output (I/O) ports, such as universal serial bus (USB) ports,parallel ports, game ports, and high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI) connectors.

An audio/video (A/V) I/O module 280 can be included to provide audio toan interconnected speaker or other device, and to receive audio inputfrom a connected microphone or other device. As an example, the audioinput/output interface 280 may comprise an associated amplifier andanalog-to-digital converter.

Hardware Features:

FIG. 3 illustrates components of a Intelligent TV 100 in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the Intelligent TV100 includes a primary screen 304. Screen 304 can be a touch sensitivescreen and can include different operative areas.

For example, a first operative area, within the screen 304, may comprisea display 310. In some embodiments, the display 310 may be touchsensitive. In general, the display 310 may comprise a full color,display.

A second area within the screen 304 may comprise a gesture captureregion 320. The gesture capture region 320 may comprise an area orregion that is outside of the display 310 area, and that is capable ofreceiving input, for example in the form of gestures provided by a user.However, the gesture capture region 320 does not include pixels that canperform a display function or capability.

A third region of the screen 304 may comprise a configurable area 312.The configurable area 312 is capable of receiving input and has displayor limited display capabilities. In embodiments, the configurable area312 may present different input options to the user. For example, theconfigurable area 312 may display buttons or other relatable items.Moreover, the identity of displayed buttons, or whether any buttons aredisplayed at all within the configurable area 312 of a screen 304, maybe determined from the context in which the Intelligent TV 100 is usedand/or operated.

In an exemplary touch sensitive screen 304 embodiment, the touchsensitive screen 304 comprises a liquid crystal display extending acrossat least those regions of the touch sensitive screen 304 that arecapable of providing visual output to a user, and a capacitive inputmatrix over those regions of the touch sensitive screen 304 that arecapable of receiving input from the user.

One or more display controllers 316 may be provided for controlling theoperation of the screen 304. The display controller 316 may control theoperation of the touch sensitive screen 304, including input (touchsensing) and output (display) functions. The display controller 316 mayalso control the operation of the screen 304 and may interface withother inputs, such as infrared and/or radio input signals (e.g.,door/gate controllers, alarm system components, etc.). In accordancewith still other embodiments, the functions of a display controller 316may be incorporated into other components, such as a processor 364.

The processor 364 may comprise a general purpose programmable processoror controller for executing application programming or instructions. Inaccordance with at least some embodiments, the processor 364 may includemultiple processor cores, and/or implement multiple virtual processors.In accordance with still other embodiments, the processor 364 mayinclude multiple physical processors. As a particular example, theprocessor 364 may comprise a specially configured application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) or other integrated circuit, a digital signalprocessor, a controller, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit, aprogrammable logic device or gate array, a special purpose computer, orthe like. The processor 364 generally functions to run programming codeor instructions implementing various functions of the Intelligent TV100.

In support of connectivity functions or capabilities, the Intelligent TV100 can include a module for encoding/decoding and/orcompression/decompression 366 for receiving and managing digitaltelevision information. Encoding/decoding compression/decompressionmodule 366 enables decompression and/or decoding of analog and/ordigital information dispatched by a public television chain or in aprivate television network and received across antenna 324, I/O module348, wireless connectivity module 328, and/or other wirelesscommunications module 332. The television information may be sent toscreen 304 and/or attached speakers receiving analog or digitalreception signals. Any encoding/decoding and compression/decompressionis performable on the basis of various formats (e.g., audio, video, anddata). Encrypting module 368 is in communication with encoding/decodingcompression/decompression module 366 and enables the confidentiality ofall the data received or transmitted by the user or supplier.

In support of communications functions or capabilities, the IntelligentTV 100 can include a wireless connectivity module 328. As examples, thewireless connectivity module 328 can comprise a GSM, CDMA, FDMA and/oranalog cellular telephony transceiver capable of supporting voice,multimedia and/or data transfers over a cellular network. Alternativelyor in addition, the Intelligent TV 100 can include an additional orother wireless communications module 332. As examples, the otherwireless communications module 332 can comprise a Wi-Fi, Blutooth™,WiMax, infrared, or other wireless communications link. The wirelessconnectivity module 328 and the other wireless communications module 332can each be associated with a shared or a dedicated antenna 324 and ashared or dedicated I/O module 348.

An input/output module 348 and associated ports may be included tosupport communications over wired networks or links, for example withother communication devices, server devices, and/or peripheral devices.Examples of an input/output module 348 include an Ethernet port, aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) port, Thunderbolt™ or Light Peak interface,Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 port, orother interface.

An audio input/output interface/device(s) 344 can be included to provideanalog audio to an interconnected speaker or other device, and toreceive analog audio input from a connected microphone or other device.As an example, the audio input/output interface/device(s) 344 maycomprise an associated amplifier and analog-to-digital converter.Alternatively or in addition, the Intelligent TV 100 can include anintegrated audio input/output device 356 and/or an audio jack forinterconnecting an external speaker or microphone. For example, anintegrated speaker and an integrated microphone can be provided, tosupport near talk or speaker phone operations.

A port interface 352 may be included. The port interface 352 may includeproprietary or universal ports to support the interconnection of thedevice 100 to other devices or components, such as a dock, which may ormay not include additional or different capabilities from those integralto the device 100. In addition to supporting an exchange ofcommunication signals between the device 100 and another device orcomponent, the docking port 136 and/or port interface 352 can supportthe supply of power to or from the device 100. The port interface 352also comprises an intelligent element that comprises a docking modulefor controlling communications or other interactions between theIntelligent TV 100 and a connected device or component. The dockingmodule may interface with software applications that allow for theremote control of other devices or components (e.g., media centers,media players, and computer systems).

An Intelligent TV 100 may also include memory 308 for use in connectionwith the execution of application programming or instructions by theprocessor 364, and for the temporary or long term storage of programinstructions and/or data. As examples, the memory 308 may comprise RAM,DRAM, SDRAM, or other solid state memory. Alternatively or in addition,data storage 314 may be provided. Like the memory 308, the data storage314 may comprise a solid state memory device or devices. Alternativelyor in addition, the data storage 314 may comprise a hard disk drive orother random access memory.

Hardware buttons 358 can be included for example for use in connectionwith certain control operations. One or more image captureinterfaces/devices 340, such as a camera, can be included for capturingstill and/or video images. Alternatively or in addition, an imagecapture interface/device 340 can include a scanner, code reader, ormotion sensor. An image capture interface/device 340 can include or beassociated with additional elements, such as a flash or other lightsource. The image capture interfaces/devices 340 may interface with auser ID module 350 that assists in identifying users of the IntelligentTV 100.

The Intelligent TV 100 can also include a global positioning system(GPS) receiver 336. In accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention, the GPS receiver 336 may further comprise a GPS module thatis capable of providing absolute location information to othercomponents of the Intelligent TV 100. As will be appreciated, othersatellite-positioning system receivers can be used in lieu of or inaddition to GPS.

Power can be supplied to the components of the Intelligent TV 100 from apower source and/or power control module 360. The power control module360 can, for example, include a battery, an AC to DC converter, powercontrol logic, and/or ports for interconnecting the Intelligent TV 100to an external source of power.

Communication between components of the Intelligent TV 100 is providedby bus 322. Bus 322 may comprise one or more physical buses for control,addressing, and/or data transmission. Bus 322 may be parallel, serial, ahybrid thereof, or other technology.

Firmware and Software:

An embodiment of the software system components and modules 400 is shownin FIG. 4. The software system 400 may comprise one or more layersincluding, but not limited to, an operating system kernel 404, one ormore libraries 408, an application framework 412, and one or moreapplications 416. The one or more layers 404-416 can communicate witheach other to perform functions for the Intelligent TV 100.

An operating system (OS) kernel 404 contains the primary functions thatallow the software to interact with hardware associated with theIntelligent TV 100. Kernel 404 can include a collection of software thatmanages the computer hardware resources and provides services for othercomputer programs or software code. The operating system kernel 404 isthe main component of the operating system and acts as an intermediarybetween the applications and data processing done with the hardwarecomponents. Part of the operating system kernel 404 can include one ormore device drivers 420. A device driver 420 can be any code within theoperating system that helps operate or control a device or hardwareattached to or associated with the Intelligent TV. The driver 420 caninclude code for operating video, audio, and/or other multimediacomponents of the Intelligent TV 100. Examples of drivers includedisplay, camera, flash, binder (IPC), keypad, WiFi, and audio drivers.

Library 408 can contain code or other components that may be accessedand implemented during the operation of the software system 400. Thelibrary 408 may contain one or more of, but is not limited to, anoperating system runtime library 424, a TV services hardware abstractionlayer (HAL) library 428, and/or a data service library 432. The OSruntime library 424 may contain the code required by the operatingsystem kernel 404 or other operating system functions to be executedduring the runtime of the software system 400. The library can includethe code that is initiated during the running of the software system400.

The TV services hardware abstraction layer library 428 can include coderequired by TV services either executed in the application framework 412or an application 416. The TV services HAL library 428 is specific tothe Intelligent TV 100 operations that control different functions ofthe Intelligent TV. The TV service HAL library 428 can also be formedfrom other types of application languages or embodiments of differenttypes of code or formats for code beyond the hardware abstraction layer.

The data services library 432 can include the one or more components orcodes to implement components for the data services function. The dataservices function can be implemented in the application framework 412and/or applications layer 416. An embodiment of a function of the dataservices and the type of components that may be included is shown inFIG. 6.

The application framework 412 can include a general abstraction forproviding functionality that can be selected by one or more applications416 to provide specific application functions or software for thoseapplications. Thus, the framework 412 can include one or more differentservices, or other applications, that can be accessed by theapplications 416 to provide general functions across two or moreapplications. Such functions include, for example, management of one ormore of windows or panels, surfaces, activities, content, and resources,The application framework 412 can include one or more, but is notlimited to, TV services 434, TV services framework 440, TV resources444, and user interface components 448.

The TV services framework 440 can provide an additional abstraction fordifferent TV services. TV services framework 440 allows for the generalaccess and function of services that are associated with the TVfunctionality. The TV services 436 are general services provided withinthe TV services framework 440 that can be accessed by applications inthe applications layer 416. The TV resources 444 provide code foraccessing TV resources 444 including any type of storage, video, audio,or other functionality provided with the Intelligent TV 100. The TVresources 444, TV services 436, and TV services framework 440 providefor the different implementations of TV functionality that may occurwith the Intelligent TV 100.

One or more user interface components 448 can provide general componentsfor display of the Intelligent TV 100. The user interface components 448might be general components that may be accessed by differentapplications provided in the application framework 412. The userinterface components 448 may be accessed to provide for panels and silosas described in conjunction with FIG. 5.

The applications layer 416 can both contain and execute applicationsassociated with the Intelligent TV 100. Applications layer 416 mayinclude one or more of, but is not limited to, a live TV application452, a video on demand application 456, a media center application 460,an application center application 464, and a user interface application468. The live TV application 452 can provide live TV over differentsignal sources. For example, the live TV application, 452 can provide TVfrom input from cable television, over air broadcasts, from satelliteservices, or other types of live TV services. Live TV application 452may then present the multimedia presentation or video and audiopresentation of the live television signal over the display of theIntelligent TV 100.

The video on demand application 456 can provide for video from differentstorage sources. Unlike Live TV application 452, video on demand 456provides for display of videos that are accessed from some memorysource. The sources of the video on demand can be associated with usersor with the Intelligent TV or some other type of service. For example,the video on demand 456 may be provided from an iTunes library stored ina cloud, from a local disc storage that contains stored video programs,or from some other source.

The media center application 460 can provide applications for differenttypes of media presentation. For example, the media center 460 canprovide for displaying pictures or audio that is different from, butstill accessible by the user and different from live TV or video ondemand. The media center 460 allows for the access of different sourcesto obtain the media in the display of such media on the Intelligent TV100.

The application center 464 allows for the provision, storage and use ofapplications. An application can be a game, a productivity application,or some other application generally associated with computer systems orother devices, but may be operated within the Intelligent TV. Anapplication center 464 may obtain these applications from differentsources, store them locally and then execute those types of applicationsfor the user on the Intelligent TV 100.

User interface application 468 provides for the specific user interfacesassociated with the Intelligent TV 100. These user interfaces caninclude the silos and panels that are described in FIG. 5. An embodimentof the user interface software 500 is shown in FIG. 5. Here theapplication framework 412 contains one or more code components whichhelp control the user interface events while one or more applications inthe applications layer 416 affects the user interface use for theIntelligent TV 100. The application framework 412 can include a silotransition controller 504 and/or an input event dispatcher 508. Theremay be more or fewer code components in the application framework 412than those shown in FIG. 5. The silo transition controller 504 containsthe code and language that manages the transitions between one or moresilos. A silo can be a vertical user interface feature on theIntelligent TV that contains information for user. The transitioncontroller 504 can manage the changes between two silos when an eventoccurs in the user interface. The input event dispatcher 508 can receiveuser interface events that may be received from the operating system andprovided to the input event dispatcher 508. These events can includeselections of buttons on a remote control or on the TV or other types ofuser interface inputs. The input event dispatcher 508 may then sendthese events to a silo manager 532 or panel manager 536 depending on thetype of the event. The silo transition controller 504 can interface withthe silo manager 532 to affect changes in the silos.

The applications layer 416 can include a user interface application 468and/or a silo application 512. The applications layer 416 can includemore or fewer user interface applications as necessary to control theuser interface of the Intelligent TV 100 than those shown in FIG. 5. Theuser interface application 468 can include a silo manager 532, a panelmanager 536, and one or more types of panels 516-528. The silo manager532 manages the display and/or features of silos. The silo manager 532can receive or send information from the silo transition controller 504or the input event dispatcher 508 to change the silos displayed and/orto determine types of input received in the silos.

A panel manager 536 is operable to display panels in the user interfaceto manage transitions between those panels or to affect user interfaceinputs received in the panel. The panel manager 536 may thus be incommunication with different user interface panels such as a globalpanel 516, a volume panel 520, a settings panel 524, and/or anotification panel 528. The panel manager 536 can display these types ofpanels depending on the inputs received from the input event dispatcher508. The global panel 516 may include information that is associatedwith the home screen or top level hierarchal information for the user. Avolume panel 520 may display information about an audio volume controlor other settings for volume. A settings panel 524 can includeinformation displayed about the settings of the audio or video, or othersettable characteristics of the Intelligent TV 100. A notification panel528 can provide information about notifications to a user. Thesenotifications can be associated with information, such as, video ondemand displays, favorites, currently provided programs, or otherinformation. Notifications can be associated with the media or with sometype of setting, or operation or the Intelligent TV 100. The panelmanager 536 may be in communication with the panel controller 552 of thesilo application 512.

The panel controller 552 may operate to control portions of the panelsof the types described previously. Thus, the panel controller 552 may bein communication with a top panel application 540, an application panel544, and/or bottom panel 548. These types of panels may be differentlydisplayed in the user interface of the Intelligent TV 100. The panelcontrol thus may be based on the configuration of the system or the typeof display being used currently, put the types of panels 516-528 into acertain display orientation governed by the top panel application 540,application panel 544, or bottom panel application 548.

An embodiment of the data service 432 and the operation of the datamanagement is shown in FIG. 6. The data management 600 can include oneor more code components that are associated with different types ofdata. For example, there may be code components within the data service432 that execute and are associated with video on demand, the electronicprogram guide, or media data. There may be more or fewer types of dataservice 432 components than those shown in FIG. 6. Each of the differenttypes of data may include a data model 604-612. The data models governwhat information is to be stored and how that information will be storedby the data service. Thus, the data model can govern regardless of wherethe data comes from, how the data will be received or managed within theIntelligent TV system. Thus, the data model 604, 608, and/or 612, canprovide a translation ability or affect the ability to translate datafrom one form to another to be used by the Intelligent TV 100.

The different types of data services (video on demand, electronicprogramming guide, media) each have a data subservice 620, 624, and/or628 that is in communication with one or more internal and/or externalcontent providers 616. The data subservices 620, 624, and 628 thatcommunicate with the content providers 616 to obtain data that may thenbe stored in databases 632, 636, and 640. The subservices 620, 624, and628 may communicate with and initiate or enable one or more sourceplug-ins 644, 648, and 652 to communicate with the content provider. Foreach content provider 616, there may be a different source plug-in 644,648, and 652. Thus, if there is more than one source of content for thedata, each of the data subservice 620, 624, and 628 may determine andthen enable or initiate a different source plug-in 644, 648, and/or 652.The content providers 616 may also provide information to a resourcearbitrator 656 and/or thumbnail cache manager 660. The resourcearbitrator 656 may operate to communicate with resources 664 that areexternal to the data service 432. Thus, the resource arbitrator 656 maycommunicate with cloud based storage, network based storage, or othertypes of external storage in the resources 664. This information maythen be provided through the content provider module 616 to the datasubservices 620, 624, 628. Likewise, a thumbnail cache manager 660 mayobtain thumbnail information from one of the data subservices 620, 624,628 and store that information in the thumbnails database 668. Furtherthe thumbnail cache manager 660 may extract or retrieve that informationfrom the thumbnails database 668 to provide to one of the datasubservices 620, 624, 628.

An exemplary content aggregation architecture 1300 is shown in FIG. 13.The architecture can include a user interface layer 1304 and a contentaggregation layer 1308 and 1308. The user interface layer 1304 mayinclude a TV application 1312, media player 1316, and application(s)1320. The TV application 1312 enables the viewer to view channelsreceived via an appropriate transmission medium, such as cable,satellite, and/or the Internet. The media player 1316 views other typesof media received via an appropriate transmission medium, such as theInternet. The application(s) 1320 include other TV-related(pre-installed) applications, such as content viewing, contentsearching, device viewing, and setup algorithms, and coordinates withthe media player 1316 to provide information to the viewer.

The content source layer 1308 includes, as data services, a contentsource service 1328, a content aggregation service 1332 and a contentpresentation service 1336. The content source service 1328 can managecontent source investigators, including local and/or network filesystem(s), digital network device manager (which discovers handheld andnon-handheld devices (e.g., digital media servers, players, renderers,controllers, printers, uploaders, downloaders, network connectivityfunctions, and interoperability units) by known techniques, such as amulticast universal plug and play or UPnP discovery techniques, and, foreach discovered device, retrieves, parses, and encodes devicedescriptors, notifies the content source service of the newly discovereddevice, and provides information, such as an index, on previouslydiscovered devices), Internet Protocol Television or IPTV, digitaltelevision or DTV (including high definition and enhanced TV), thirdparty services (such as those referenced above), and applications (suchas Android applications).

Content source investigators can track content sources and are typicallyconfigured as binaries. The content source service 1328 starts contentsource investigators and maintains open and persistent channels forcommunications. The communications include query or command and responsepairs. The content aggregation service 1332 can manage content metadatafetchers, such as for video, audio, and/or picture metadata. The contentpresentation service 1336 may provide interfaces to the content index1340, such as an Android application interface and digital deviceinterfaces.

The content source service 1328 can send and receive communications 1344to and from the content aggregation service 1332. The communications caninclude notifications regarding new and removed digital devices and/orcontent and search queries and results. The content aggregation service1332 can send and receive communications 1348 to and from the contentpresentation service 1336 including device and/or content lookupnotifications, content-of-interest advisories and notifications, andsearch queries and results.

When a search is performed, particularly when the user is searching orbrowsing content, a user request may be received from the user interfacelayer 1300, by the content presentation service 1336, which responsivelyopens a socket and sends the request to the content aggregation service1332. The content aggregation service 1332 first returns results fromthe local database 1340. The local database 1340 includes an index ordata model and indexed metadata. The content source service 1328 furtherissues search and browse requests for all content source investigatorsand other data management systems. The results are forwarded to thecontent aggregation service 1332, which updates the database 1340 toreflect the further search results and provides the original contentaggregation database search results and the data updates, reflecting theadditional content source service search results, over the previouslyopened socket to the content presentation service 1336. The contentpresentation service 1336 then provides the results to one or morecomponents in the user interface layer 1300 for presentation to theviewer. When the search session is over (e.g., the search session isterminated by the user or by an action associated with user), the userinterface layer 1300 disconnects the socket. As shown, media can beprovided directly by the content aggregation service 1332 to the mediaplayer 1316 for presentation to the user.

Remote Control:

A handheld remote control can be provided to enable user interactionwith the Intelligent TV 100. An exemplary handheld remote control isshown in FIGS. 7-9. The remote control 700 can include one or more of,but is not limited to, top, side and bottom housings 704, 708, and 712,an (on/off) power button 716, an input source button 720 (to selectinput source such as Live TV, video on demand, media center, applicationcenter, high definition multimedia interface or HDMI, component or COMP,audio/Video or A/V, digital or analog television or DTV/ATV, and videographics array (VGA)), a (volume) mute button 724, a Live TV button 728(to activate or select the Live TV silo), a video on demand (VOD) button732 (to activate or select the video on demand silo), a media centerbutton 736 (to activate or select the media center application or silo,which access various types of media such as music, TV programming,videos, and the like), an application center button 740 (to activate orselect the application center application or silo), a global panelbutton 744, an application panel button 748, a back button 752 (toselect a prior user operation or Intelligent TV state and/or navigate upa hierarchy of any displayed image or object(s) (in which case the backbutton 752 does not navigate within application panels or acrossapplication silos), a play button 756 (to play or pause media), a D-pad760 (which includes north, east, west, and south directional arrows tonavigate among displayed images and/or move between levels of anapplication's or object's hierarchy such as application view navigation,panel navigation, and collection navigation), an OK (or select) button764 (to select a highlighted displayed image (such as displayed speedcontrol, rewind, forward, play, and pause objects and/or objects on menubar or in a menu box) and/or navigate down a hierarchy of any displayedimage or object(s)), a rocker-type volume-up and volume-down button 768(to adjust the volume), a menu/guide button 772 (to select for display amenu or guide of programming), a 0-9 (number) button 776 (to display anumber pad on the TV screen), a settings button 780 (which launches anapplication to access current and change TV settings (such as channelsettings and settings used to adjust picture and sound effects (e.g.,image mode (e.g., standard, playground, game, cinema, concert, andstudio), brightness, contrast, saturation, color temperature, energysavings, 3D noise reduction, hue, sharpness, zoom mode (e.g., fullscreen, standard, smart zoom, and dot-to-dot), picture position, 3Dmode, for picture, and sound retrieval system or SRS TruSurround, soundmode (e.g., standard, live 1, live 2, theatre, music, speech, userequalizer mode, Left/Right speaker balance, auto volume control,Sony/Philips Interconnect Format or S/PDIF (off, auto, pulse codemodulation or PCM) for sound) and system settings (such as system (e.g.,selected language for graphical user interface, user geographical and/orgeopolitical location information, input method, area settings, andsleep time), network (e.g., WiFi, WiFi hotspot, WiFi direct,Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet or PPPoE (asymmetric digitalsubscriber line or ADSL), Ethernet) settings (e.g., enabled and disabledand selected and non-selected) and information (e.g., networkinformation (e.g., electronic address such as Internet Protocol or IPaddress, subnet mask, gateway, domain name server information, domainname, Media Access Control or MAC address, service set identification orSSID, security information, and password information) and inlinestatus), manage applications (e.g., currently installed applications,currently executing applications, and internal and external computerreadable medium usage), and view user information regarding theIntelligent TV 100)), a rocker-type channel-up and channel-down button784 (to increment or decrement the selected channel), and first, second,third and fourth hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796, and/or a moveablejoystick 900 on a bottom of the remote control 700. The first, second,third, and fourth hotkeys are generally assigned different colors, whichcolor indexing is depicted as visual indicia on a selected panel to showthe currently assigned function, if any, for each hotkey. As can beseen, the actuator layout can provide a highly efficient, satisfactory,and easily usable experience to the end user.

Unlike the functional associations and functions of many of theactuators, those of some of the actuators are not readily apparent. Anumber of examples will now be discussed by way of illustration.

The media center button 736, when selected, can provide informationregarding music, videos, photographs, collections or groupings of music,videos, and/or photographs, and internal and external computationaldevices (such as personal computers, laptops, tablet computers, wirelessphones, removable computer readable media, and the like), which can begrouped in a selected manner (such as favorites, most recently viewed,most watched or viewed, and most recently added). The information canincludes previews (which can include selected portions of the mediacontent, duration, file size, date created, date last watched, timeswatched or viewed, and audio and/or video format information).

The application center button 740, when selected, may provideinformation regarding pre-installed and downloaded applications. Unlikedownloaded applications, pre-installed applications cannot be removed bythe user or manually updated. Exemplary pre-installed applicationsinclude web browser, settings control, and content search algorithms. Byway of illustration, the application center button 740 can provide ascrollable graphical grid of icons (each icon being associated with anapplication) currently available in the application center.

The global panel button 744, when selected, can provide the user, viaone or more panels or windows, with access to one or more of, but notlimited to, silos, notifications, a web browser, system settings, and/orinformation associated therewith. For example, the global panel button744 can enable the user to determine what external devices are currentlyconnected to and/or disconnected from the Intelligent TV 100, determinewhat inputs (e.g., HDMI ports) are currently available for connecting toexternal devices, determine a connection and/or operational status of aselected external device and/or network (e.g., WiFi connected, Ethernetconnected, and offline), assign a custom (or user selected) name to eachinput source, determine what content is currently being offered on LiveTV, on demand, the media center, and/or the application center, accessvendor messages and notifications to the user (e.g., system and/orapplication updates are available), activate the Internet browser,and/or access shortcuts on a displayed shortcut bar to more frequentlyused and desired applications. Common shortcuts are Internet browser(e.g., Internet search engine), system settings, and notifications. Thecommon types of panels are for information (which is typicallyinformation related to a currently displayed image and/or content (e.g.,title, date/time, audio/visual indicator, rating, and genre), browserequests, and/or search requests (such as search term field)). Each ofthe panel types may include a panel navigation bar, detailed informationor relevant content to the panel function, operation and/or purpose, anda hotkey bar (defining currently enabled functional associations ofhotkeys).

The application panel button 748, when selected, can display anapplication window or panel. One application panel may be an informationpanel regarding a selected (pre-installed or previously downloaded)application icon. The information panel can one or more of identify theselected application, provide a description of the functionality(including application developer and/or vendor, version, release, and/orlast update date and a category or type of application based on theapplication's functionality) and user ratings and/or degree of otheruser downloading of the application (e.g., a star rating assigned basedon one or more of the foregoing inputs), provide the option to launch,remove, update, and add to favorites the identified application, andprovide a listing of selectable links of other (not yet downloaded)recommended applications that provide similar functionality to theidentified application. The latter listing can, in turn, provide adescription of the functionality (including application developer and/orvendor, version, release, and/or last update date and a category or typeof application based on the application's functionality) and userratings and/or degree of other user downloading of the application(e.g., a star rating assigned based on one or more of the foregoinginputs).

The functions of the first, second, third, and fourth hotkeys 788, 792,794, and 796 can change depending on system state, context, and/or,within a selected screen and/or panel, based on a content or currentlyselected portion of (or relative cursor position on) the screen.Commonly, a currently assigned function of any of the first, second,third, and fourth hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796 depends on a currentlyaccessed silo and/or panel (with which the user is currently interactingwithin the silo). In other words, a first function of one of the first,second, third, and fourth hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796 is activated bythe respective hotkey in a first system state while a different secondfunction is activated by the respective hotkey in a different secondsystem state. In another example, a third function of one of the first,second, third, and fourth hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796 is activated bythe respective hotkey when a user focus (or currently selected cursorposition or screen portion) is at a first screen position while adifferent fourth function is activated by the respective hotkey when auser focus (or currently selected cursor position or screen portion) isat a different second screen position. The first screen position can,for instance, be within an icon while the second screen position isoutside of the icon. Hotkey functionality that could be enabled when inthe first screen position may be “configure” and “remove” and disabledis “add”, and, when in the second position hotkey functionality enabledcan be “add” and disabled is “configure” and “remove”. Generally, thestates of hotkeys can include normal (for enabled actions or functions),disabled (when an action or function is temporarily disabled), pressed(when selected by a user to command an action or function to beperformed), and unavailable (when no association between the hotkey andan action or function is currently available). While examples of hotkeyfunctions are discussed below, it is to be understood that these are notintended to be exhaustive or limiting examples.

The first hotkey 788, when selected in a first system state, can enablethe user to assign, change, or edit a name of an input source. It istypically enabled only when the input source of HDMI, Comp/YPbPr (e.g.,component video cables), video output, and VGA is in focus. Whenselected in a second system state, the first hotkey 788 can return theuser to a top of a scrollable collection of objects, such as applicationicons.

The second hotkey 792 may show all or less. In other words, the hotkey792 can allow the user to show all inputs, including theunconnected/undetected ones and to hide the unconnected/undetectedinputs, e.g., to expand and collapse the silo/input list. Each inputsource can have one of two states, namely connected/detected andunconnected/undetected. Some input sources, including Live TV, video ondemand, media center, and application center are alwaysconnected/detected.

The moveable joystick 900 on the bottom of the remote control 700, whenmanipulated, can cause a displayed image on the Intelligent TV 100screen to be displaced a proportional amount. In other words, thedisplayed image is displaced substantially simultaneously withdisplacement of the joystick 900 within the joystick aperture 904 in thebottom housing 712 of the remote control. As shown in FIGS. 9B-C, thejoystick 900 moves or slides between forward and reverse positions.Releasing the joystick 900 causes the joystick 900 to return to thecenter position of FIG. 9A, and the window to move or slide upwardly(when the joystick is released from the joystick position of FIG. 9B) ordownwardly (when the joystick is released from the joystick position ofFIG. 9C) until it disappears from view as shown in FIG. 11A. The effecton the screen of the Intelligent TV 100 is shown in FIGS. 11A-C. In FIG.11A, video content, such as TV programming, a video, movie, and thelike, is being displayed by front surface of the screen 212. In FIG.11B, the joystick 900 is moved or slid to the upper position of FIG. 9B,and a drop down window or panel 1100 moves or slides down (at thesubstantially the same rate of joystick 900 movement) at the top of thescreen 212. In FIG. 11C, the joystick 900 is moved or slid to the lowerposition of FIG. 9C, and a drop up window or panel 1100 moves or slidesup (at the substantially the same rate of joystick 900 movement) at thebottom of the screen 212. The window 1100 partially covers the videocontent appearing on the remainder of the screen 212 and/or causes aportion of the screen 212 displaying video content to move and/orcompress up or down the height of the window 1100.

The window 1100 can include one or more of information (which istypically information related to a currently displayed image and/orcontent (e.g., panel navigation bar, detailed information (e.g., title,date/time, audio/visual indicator, rating, and genre), and hotkey bar(defining current functional associations of hotkeys)), browse requests,and/or search requests. Commonly, the window 1100 includes suitableinformation about the content (such as name, duration, and/or remainingviewing duration of content), settings information, TV or system controlinformation, application (activation) icons (such as for pre-installedand/or downloaded applications such as application center, media centerand Web browser), and/or information about input source(s). When thejoystick 900 is in either the forward or reverse position, the user canselect an actuator on the front of the remote control, such as the OKbutton 764, and be taken, by displayed images on the screen 212, toanother location in the user interface, such as a desktop. This processcan be done in a nonintrusive manner and without affecting the flow ofcontent that is pushed up or down. The joystick 900 could be moved,additionally or differently, from side-to-side to cause the window toappear at the left or right edge of the screen 212.

An alternative actuator configuration is shown in FIG. 10. The actuatorsare substantially the same as those of FIGS. 7-9 except that the socialnetwork button 1000, when selected, can automatically select content andpublish, via a social network service or other social media, the contentto a social network or online community. User or viewer comments and/orother messages can be included in the outbound message. For example, allor one or frames or portions of media content (such as a video, music, aphotograph, a picture, or text) can be provided automatically to apredetermined or selected group of people via Linked-In™, Myspace™,Twitter™, YouTube™, DailyMotion™, Facebook™, Google+™ or Second Life™.The user, upon activating the button 1000 could, in response, select asocial forum or media upon which the selected content (which is thecontent displayed to the user when the social network button 1000 isactivated) is to be posted and/or a predetermined group within thatsocial media to which the content is to be posted. Alternatively, theseselections could be preconfigured or preselected by the user.

The social network button can also be used to “turn up” or “turn down” asocial volume visualization. The Intelligent TV 100 can createdynamically a visualization of aggregated connections (and inboundand/or outbound messages) from a variety of social networks. Theaggregation (and inbound and outbound messages) can be depictedgraphically on the screen as a volume of connections to influence theviewer user. With a social volume visualization, selected contents ofeach linked social network profile of a social contact (and inboundand/or outbound messages from or to the linked social network contactand/or current activity of the social contact (such as watching the sameprogramming or content the viewer is currently watching) can bepresented in a separate tile (or visually displayed object). The size ofthe tile can be related to any number of criteria, including arelationship of the linked social contact (e.g., a relative degree ofimportance or type of relationship can determine the relative size ofthe tile, a degree of influence of the linked social contact to thecurrent viewer, a geographic proximity of the linked social contact tothe current viewer, a degree to which the currently provided mediacontent is of interest to both the viewer and linked social contact(e.g., both parties enjoy war movies, murder mysteries, musicals,comedies, and the like), an assigned ranking of the linked viewer by theviewer, a type of social network type linking the viewer with the linkedsocial contact, a current activity of the social network contact (e.g.,currently watching the same content that the viewer is currentlywatching), a current online or offline status of the linked socialcontact, and a social network grouping type or category to which boththe viewer and linked social contact belong (e.g., work contact, bestfriend, family member, etc.).

The viewer can designate a portion of the screen to depict the socialnetwork aggregation. By turning the social volume up (+) or down (−),the viewer can increase the size and/or numbers of linked contact tilesprovided to the viewer. In other words, by increasing the social volumethe viewer can view, access, and/or push more social content from thoseof his or her social networks associated with him or her in a memory ofthe Intelligent TV. By decreasing the social volume, the viewer canview, access, and/or push less social content from his or her associatedsocial networks. By selecting the mute button 724, the viewer can stopor pause any interactivity with his or her associated social networks(e.g., inbound or outbound messages). Social volume and/or mute can beseparated into two (or more) volume settings for outbound and inboundsocial network activity. By way of illustration, a first volume setting,control, and/or button can control the volume for outbound socialnetwork activity (e.g., outbound social messages) while a second(different) volume setting, control, and/or button can control thevolume for inbound social network activity (e.g., inbound socialmessages). By way of further illustration, a first mute setting,control, and/or button can stop or pause outbound social networkactivity (e.g., outbound social messages) while a second (different)mute setting, control, and/or button can stop or pause inbound socialnetwork activity (e.g., inbound social messages).

A functional block diagram of the remote control is shown in FIG. 12.The remote control 700 includes a controller 1208 to control andsupervise remote control operations, optional wireless (RF) transceiver1224 and antenna 1244 to send and receive wireless signals to and fromthe Intelligent TV 100 and other external components, optional infraredemitter 1228 to emit infrared signals to the Intelligent TV 100,optional light emitting diode or LED driver 1232 to control LEDoperation to provide video-enabled feedback to the user, actuators 1220(including the various buttons and other actuators discussed above inconnection with FIGS. 7 and 10), and joystick 900, all interconnectedvia a bus 1248. An on board power source 1200 and power managementmodule 1204 provide power to each of these components via powercircuitry 1240. The infrared emitter 1228 and receiver (not shown) onthe Intelligent TV system 100 can be used to determine a displayedobject illuminated by the infrared signal and therefore adjust thedisplayed image, for example to indicate a focus of the user (e.g.,illuminate a displayed object or show cursor position relative todisplayed objects on the screen) and to determine and activate a desiredcommand of the user. This can be done by tracking a position of theremote control in relation to infrared tracking reference points (e.g.,a sensor bar or infrared LED's) positioned on or adjacent to the screenof the Intelligent TV 100. Motion tracking can further be augmentedusing position information received from a multi-axis gyroscope and/oraccelerometer on board the remote control (not shown).

As discussed in relation to FIG. 5, the silo manager 532, panel manager536, and related components, manage and control one or more of theglobal panel 516, volume panel 520, settings panel 524, notificationpanel 528, as well as silo applications 512, such as a top panel 540,application panel 544, and bottom panel 548, with co-operation of thepanel controller 552.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the system user interfacecan be the locus of control for the silo applications 512 and variouspanel systems as discussed herein. Because of this, the system userinterface application 468 can also be the consumer of anynon-application-specific keys on the remote control, and, for example,also the hard keys on the Intelligent TV 100 itself. As discussed above,the silo can be envisioned as an application, such as Live TV, mediacenter, or the like. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, and asillustrated in FIG. 14, the silos form a horizontal “strip,” which isvisualized to the user during silo transitions. As will be appreciated,and while an exemplary embodiment is discussed in relation to thishorizontal strip, it should be appreciated that other orientations ofthe various silos can be used with equal success. For example, the siloscan be vertical in nature, can be in a grid, or in general in any otherformat or orientation. Moreover, an exemplary embodiment will beillustrated in terms of specific transitions between the various silos,it should be appreciated that any type of transition or transitioneffect could be used as the user switches from one silo to another. Someexemplary types of transitions include cutting, mixing, dissolving,cross-fading, fading, wiping, and digital effects such as colorreplacement, animated effects, pixelization, focus drops, lightingeffects, etc.

A silo transition can be initiated by a remote control button press,such as switching to Live TV from media center by pressing the Live TVbutton 728 on, for example, the remote control. The exemplary resultantvisual effect involves “zooming down” whatever is being presented as thecurrent screen image, having it slide rapidly left or right to a zoomeddown image of the target silo, and then “zooming up” the requestedsilo's image to make it the current image. In accordance with oneexemplary embodiment, the silos are fixed in a horizontal order, and ifa silo transition would bypass one or more silos to get to the targetsilo, a single placeholder image can be displayed during the transition.Alternatively, silos that are being bypassed can be shown in, forexample, a reduced size state, greyed-out, in black-and-white, withtransparency, or the like.

In an effort to improve responsiveness, and in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment, silo transitions can be implemented inframework-level code controlled by the silo transition controller 504.As discussed, the silo manager 532 is able to capture the silo-relatedinput events, determine the necessary transition, and command the silotransition controller to perform the necessary visual effects. The silomanager 532 can also configure the silo transition controller 504 withthe necessary information about the applications which are to beconsidered “silos,” and their order, to facilitate the necessary screencaptures. The silo manager 532 can also interact with the panel manager536 to inform the panel manager 536 when a silo transition is requested,so that visible panels can be commanded to disappear (or appear), andthe various notifications received that the panels are gone so that thesilo transition can commence.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the panel manager 536manages various panels, here, the two exemplary primary panels being theglobal panel and the application panel. In accordance with one exemplaryembodiment, the global panel slides in from an edge, such as the leftedge of the screen, when the global panel button is pressed either on aremote control or Intelligent TV itself. The application panel, whichcan also slide in from an edge, such as the right edge of the screen, isdisplayed when the application panel button is pressed on either theremote control or the Intelligent TV itself.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the global panel can alwaysbe available, and allows access to the same controls, regardless of theunderlying content being displayed, whereas the application panelchanges dynamically according to one or more of: content and the currentcontext of the underlying content being displayed, which application isbeing displayed, which screen in the application is being displayed,which video on demand feature is selected, etc., as shown hereinafter.In addition to these exemplary panels, there are also top panels andbottom panels. These top and bottom panels can slide in (or use anothertransition to appear/disappear) from the top or bottom, for example, andare also under the control of the panel controller/panel manager andrelated components. However, other system panels can also be displayed,such as the volume panel, which controls volume and sound settings, andthe setting panel, which controls general settings of any aspect of theIntelligent TV or remote control.

With any one or more of these panels, an exemplary embodimentcoordinates their entrance and exit from the screen, at the appropriatetime and for the appropriate reason. For example, it would be perfectlyreasonable to adjust the volume while the global panel is beingdisplayed, so the volume panel should be allowed to “float” over the topof the global panel. On the other hand, having both the global andapplication panels displayed at the same time makes less sense, so whenone is called for while the other is being displayed, the other one canoptionally be controlled to disappear.

The role of the panel manager 536, in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment, is to coordinate all of the panel behavior in the system.Since several of the panels are not within the system user interfaceapplication, but rather within the silo applications, the panelcontroller 552 can be used to act as an intermediary betweenapplications and the panel manager 536. In particular, when theapplication panel button is pressed, the panel manager 536 can firstensure that any currently displayed panels are removed, as appropriate,before informing the current silo applications panel controller 552 thatthe application panel should be displayed. Conversely, when the globalpanel button is pressed, the panel manager 536 can command the currentsilo applications panel controller 552 to remove any panels, such as theapplication panel or top or bottom panels, which it can do, and theninform the panel manager 536 that they are gone, so the display of theglobal panel can begin. And, as mentioned above, when the silo manager532 is about to trigger a silo transition, all panels can first beremoved, which is coordinated by the panel manager 536. The signalingmechanisms used can be a new “intent type” with suitably defined extrasto indicate the commands and the notifications.

As discussed, the main application and application components present inthe exemplary system are referred to as silos. In accordance with oneexemplary embodiment, the basic functionality is provided by an abstractbase class. Each silo can cooperate with the overall experience byinvoking the silo manager 532 every time the corresponding event isreceived. This behavior can be provided in every application byextending this silo class. The silo manager 532 can be an activity thatcoordinates the changes between the different silos. Silo manager 532can coordinate the change and also provide the visual feedback byplaying, for example, an animation that changes from one silo toanother. The use of a third activity to change from silo-to-silo canoptionally be utilized to handle an impossibility of providing therequired animation only by standard Android activity exit and enteranimations.

As discussed, the panels are user-interface components that have theability of appearing, for example, sliding in, from one of the sides ofthe screen. They can also disappear to, for example, the same side usinga sliding out motion. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, onthe left hand side is presented the global panel, on the right hand sidethe application panel, the top panel from the top (which can be used byLive TV) and the bottom panel from the bottom of the screen (which canbe used by both media player and Live TV). While the exemplaryembodiments discussed herein will be described in relation to thisorientation, it should be appreciated that other orientations arepossible, and any of the panels discussed herein can be provided fromany side(s) of the screen. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment,where the panel appears, and/or how the panel appears, can be controlledvia the settings menu. In general, and in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment, the application panel is displayed every time theapplication requests the application panel be displayed through some ofthe defined events. The activity can be presented in full screen, andcan have a transparent background so that the previous activity can beseen through it. This combined with the enter and exit animation cangive the illusion of a panel sliding in and out. This application panelcan provide a context and content aware view into the application anddisplayed content. This provides a unified experience across all silos,such as Live TV, on-demand, media center, and applications. Thisparticular exemplary configuration provides the following exemplarybenefits: Quick access to core functionality, unobtrusive designallowing the active video to always be in view, consistent userexperience across all silos, and focused contextual content.

Moreover, the application panel can support the following functionality:A means to open and close the panel, the ability to automatically closethe global panel if it is visible when the user opens the applicationpanel, a means to populate tabs within the panel, with the tabs beingfor one or more of the following: displaying detailed information aboutthe content, displaying content libraries, collections, andsubcollections, displaying content views or those tagged as favorite,searching for content, providing a means to navigate between tabs,providing a means for the user to navigate through the content withintabs, providing a means for the user to enter data into the tab, ifappropriate and allowed, providing a means for the user to selectcontent from the tab, and providing a means for the application to reactappropriately to hot key press events.

FIGS. 14 through 52 illustrate some of the above features in greaterdetail. As discussed, although the following exemplary functionalitywill be described in relation to certain transitions, effects, andmethods of displaying the various panels, it should be appreciated thatother transitions, effects, and methods of displaying comparableinformation can be used without affecting the underlying operation ofthe systems discussed herein.

More specifically, FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary display screen 212with five silos or applications. Here, and in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment, the applications layer 416 includes one or more ofa Live TV application 452, a video on demand application 456, a mediacenter application 460, an applications center application 464, and auser interface application 468. The Live TV application 452 can provideLive TV from one or more different signal sources. For example, the LiveTV application 452 can provide TV content from input received from acable box, over-air broadcasts, from satellite services, or other typesof Live TV services or service providers. The Live TV application 452may also present a multimedia presentation or video and audiopresentation of the live television signal on the display of theIntelligent TV 100.

The video on demand application 456 can provide for video from differentstorage sources. Unlike Live TV application 452, the video-on-demand 456provides for display of videos or other content that are accessed fromsome memory source. The source of the video on demand can be associatedwith the user or with the Intelligent TV, or some other type of service,and may be not collocated with the Intelligent TV 100. For example, thevideo on demand 456 may be provided from a library stored in a cloud,from a local disk storage that contains stored video programs, from alocal disk associated with a computer, or from some other source.

The media center application 460 can provide applications for differenttypes of media presentation. For example, the media center 460 canprovide for displaying pictures or audio that is different from, butstill accessible by the user, and different from Live TV or video ondemand. The media center 460 can allow for the access of differentsources to obtain the media and display of such media on the IntelligentTV 100. These media can include, for example, pictures, music, or ingeneral be directed to any content that is accessible by the IntelligentTV 100, which is not accessible by either the Live TV application 452 orvideo-on-demand 456. The application center 464 allows for theprovision, storage and use of applications. An application can be agame, a productivity application, or in general any applicationassociated with one or more of the Intelligent TV, a computer system, orother device. Similarly, these applications can be operated with theIntelligent TV 100, with the applications 464 obtaining the content fromone or more different sources, storing them locally, or portions of themlocally, and then executing those types of applications for use on theIntelligent TV 100.

Here, the user using the remote control 700, can select one or more ofthe various applications that are displayed on display screen 212. Forexample, if a user selects, the button 728 (Live TV) as illustrated inFIG. 15, the Live TV application comes into focus, and is enlarged tofill or partially fill display screen 212.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate the transition to another silo or application,here from the Live TV application 452 to the applications silo 464. Forexample, and commencing in FIG. 16, upon the user selecting applications464 on the remote control 700, the Live TV application 452 isminimizing, in FIG. 16, the applications for Live TV 452, on-demand 456and media center 460 are scrolled to the left in FIG. 17 as denoted bydirectional arrow 1704, with in FIG. 18 application 464 being enlargedto fill all or a portion of display screen 212. As discussed, thesetransitions can occur gracefully with, for example, applications in thebackground of FIG. 18 being faded out or otherwise obfuscated byapplication 464, with focus switching to application to 464 because ofthe request of the user.

FIGS. 16A-49 illustrate exemplary screen captures that illustrate notonly exemplary content that can be shown in association with each of theabove-mentioned applications, but also the behavior of the panels, andspecifically in greater detail the behavior of the global panel andapplication panel.

FIG. 16A illustrates an exemplary display screen 212 showing Live TVcontent. Here, and optionally, an indicator 1604 can be provided thatillustrates which content is being shown on the display screen 212.Here, the user has selected Live TV, and therefore the indicator 1604shows that Live TV is being shown on the display screen 212. Thisindicator can fade away after a predetermined amount of time. The usercan then select, using up and down indicators, various channels in theLive TV application. Similarly, for on demand, as illustrated in FIGS.19 and 20, indicator 1904 can be presented illustrating that the userhas selected the on demand application for display in display screen212. The on demand application can have varioussub-applications/directories/categories/sub-categories, and inaccordance with one exemplary embodiment, they include showcase 1908,movies 1912, TV series 1916 and variety 1920, that all contain certaintypes of on-demand media. The user can select these varioussubcategories using, for example, buttons on the remote control.Moreover, the on-demand application can include information such as thelast watched on demand feature, the top watched on demand feature, HDcontent, as well as, as illustrated in FIG. 20, dynamic content 2004that is selectable. Here, dynamic content 2004 presents snapshotpreviews that switch between various on-demand media presentations thatare available for selection by the user. The user, again using theremote control, can “hover over” any of the on-demand media types beingpresented, and then via pressing of the enter button, can select thatparticular content. With the exemplary dynamic content 2004 in FIG. 20,there are five selections of dynamic content illustrated by the fivecircles 2008. The media associated with dynamic content that iscurrently being displayed is selected when the user presses, forexample, the enter button or select button on the remote control whilehovering over the dynamic content.

Similarly, in the movies subcategory, various subcategories can bepresented in the display 212 such as all movies, favorite movies, topwatched movies, recommended movies, new movies, and optionally one ormore windows that display dynamic content similarly to that as in theshowcase category. For example, this dynamic content window can have arevolving selection of movies that can be displayed based on one or moreof predicted interest of the user, settings information, recommendationsfrom a service provider, or the like.

With the TV series subcategory, and similar to the movies subcategory,various subcategories can further exist that include all TV series,favorite TV series, top watched TV series, recommended TV series, new TVseries, and similarly a dynamic window that includes other TV series. Ina like manner, the variety subcategory can include favorites, topwatched, recommended, new, dynamic variety content, as well as an “all”subcategory. As with the other windows or displays, the user can scrollbetween these various categories and navigate the various screens using,for example, the directional arrows and select or enter button on theremote control.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary media center interface that isdisplayed on display screen 212. As with the other exemplaryembodiments, indicator 2104 can be provided to the user indicating thatthey have selected the media center. The media center applicationincludes further subcategories including a showcase subcategory 2108, amy videos subcategory 2112, a my photos subcategory 2116, and a mydevices subcategory 2120. Showcase subcategory 2108 can, as illustratedin FIG. 21, include further subcategories, here being “all media”,“recently added”, “most viewed”, “last viewed”, and stored content fromone or more sources, here being a video of Kira at school, photos froman Italy trip, and pictures of Kira's birthday. Again, the user using aremote control can hover over and select any of these media types forpresentation. My videos subcategory 2112 can include, for example,favorites, recently added, all videos, last viewed, most viewed, as wellas perhaps view of titles and dynamic content. Similarly, the my photossubcategory 2116 can include further subcategories including all photos,most viewed, last viewed, favorites, recently added,thumbnails/selectable links for accessing one or more folders ofphotographs, as well as, for example, icons pointing to photographsstored on a remote device, such as a camera, another computer, or someother storage location. Again, with the user selecting one of thesecategories, the content associated therewith can be displayed. With mydevices subcategory 2120, this can also include further subcategoriesincluding all devices, an SD card, a USB device, one or more computers,and in general can have selectable icons corresponding to any of thestorage devices the Intelligent TV 100 has access to.

FIG. 22 illustrates exemplary application 464 on display screen 212.Here, an indicator 2212 is provided indicating the user has selectedapplication 464, with various applications being displayed on displayscreen 212 such as my apps, settings, browser, and other applications.Similar to the other silos, application 464 can include one or moresubdirectories, here, my application 2204 and showcase 2208. Showcase2208 subdirectory can include, for example, recommended, most popular,top ranked, as well as dynamic content as previously discussed.

FIG. 23 illustrates the “other input” 468 on display screen 212. Anindicator 2304 can be provided indicating the user has selected as otherinput HDMI 1 as a source. With any of the sources that are selected, thecontent associated with that source can be displayed in one or more of astatic and dynamic manner. Here, the exemplary HDMI 1 source isassociated with an online game the user is participating in.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the global panel.Here, the global panel is illustratively shown on the left-side of thescreen, and in this particular instance, the global panel is shown inconjunction with the on demand application 456.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the global panel 2404includes various types of information, illustratively shown, and thevarious types of input and content available. Additional information canalso be shown, such as wireless access point information 2492. Inaccordance with this exemplary embodiment, global panel 2404 is shown ina partially transparent manner “above” the on demand content shown ondisplay screen 212. The global panel 2404 includes various informationincluding, for example, Live TV information 2408, on demand information2412, media center information 2416, application information 2420, HDMI1 information 2424, HDMI 2 information 2428, HDMI 3 information 2432,and as shown in FIG. 25, the second portion of the global panel that isaccessible via, for example, a scrolling down function, component 1information 2444, component 2 information 2448, AV 1 information 2452,AV 2 information 2456, VGA information 2460, as well as an option tohide undetected inputs 2464. With each of these types of information,further information can be provided such as, for example, what type ofcontent is currently associated with that source. Here, Live TV 2408 isshown and is channel 30, CNN news, and 2412 on demand is shown as beingassociated with the feature skyfall. In addition, the global panel canprovide quick access to one or more of a browser via selectable input2468, to settings via selectable input 2472, and to alert 2476 that canprovide, for example, alerts based on what a user has elected to bealerted to.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, and even though the globalpanel 2404 has been selected, the information in the background screen,here the “on demand” content, can continue to be “live” even though itis in the background. In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, andas seen in FIG. 24, in the dynamic content window 2480, an advertisementfor the London 2012 Olympics is being shown. However, as indicated bythe circle in 2484 moving from the third position to the second positionin FIG. 25, the dynamic content 2488 is shown which is an advertisementfor a “Space” feature. Thus, even while the global panel is shown, theunderlying content associated with the selected application, such asLive TV 452, on demand 426, media center 460, applications 464, andother inputs 468, can continue to be “active” and still partiallyvisible in the background.

FIGS. 26-30 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the applicationpanel associated with Live TV. As discussed above, the application panelis dynamic and can optionally change based on one or more of context andcontent of the underlying application being viewed, as well as thelocation, such as which silo, the panel is associated with, and whetherthe panel is on a top, bottom, left or right-hand side of the display.Furthermore, the application panel can include various subcategories ofinformation, with the number and type of the subcategories also beingdynamic based on the underlying context or content being viewed by theuser. In accordance with the embodiments in FIGS. 26-30, the user hasselected to watch Live TV 452 and therefore the application panel 2604has been populated based on this selection. As seen in this sequence offigures, the application panel 2604 has various subcategories includinginformation(info) 2608, electronic program guide (EPG) 2612, categories2616, favorites 2620, and search 2624, all are which selectable via, forexample, a button on the remote control.

For the info subcategory 2608 is illustrated in FIG. 26, informationabout the current Live TV selection can be shown. For example,information about the Live TV selection can be shown in portion 2628,upcoming programs in section 2640, the button to select the content asfavorite 2632, a button to toggle subtitles 2632, and, for example, abutton to place a reminder 2644, and a button to mark the show as afavorite 2648.

Upon selection of the electronic program guide subcategory 2604, theapplication panel is updated as illustrated in FIG. 27. Here, theelectronic program guide is shown in section 2704 with, for example,popup 2708 optionally showing a preview of the content associated withthat channel. Here, since channel 801 is highlighted as shown by box2712, the popup 2708 provides a preview and optional information aboutthat particular highlighted program. The popup 2708 can include, forexample, an inset window showing the content that is currently beingshown on channel 801, as well as information such as a program overviewand start and end times for the program.

Upon selection of the category submenu 2612, as illustrated in FIG. 28,the application panel changes to show various categories of Live TV 2804that are available for viewing. Upon selection of any of thesecategories, further information can be provided about the types ofcontent that are available in that particular category. Here, “action”has been selected, and if a user were to select action via the remotecontrol with the press of the enter button, all content associated withthe action category (here being six titles) could be viewed and, uponthe pressing of an enter button, selected for viewing.

FIG. 29 illustrates the favorite's subcategory 2620. Here, in portion2904, the various favorites that the user has selected are shown and areselectable to, for example, allow the user to quickly tune to any oftheir favorite Live TV channels. FIG. 30 illustrates the exemplaryapplication panel search subfeature 2624. Here, a search window can beprovided (“Search Here”) that allows a search to be entered in thefield, with previous searches 3004 optionally being shown which areselectable and executable, via, for example, the remote control. Variousother buttons can also be provided to, for example, remove searches fromthe list. In accordance with one optional exemplary embodiment, a keypad(not shown) could also be provided that allows the user to select on thescreen the various letters for entry into the “search here” field.

FIGS. 31-37 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the application panelthat is associated with the on demand application 456. In accordancewith this exemplary embodiment, the application panel 3104 hassubcategories, here: information subcategory 3108, news category 3112,recommended subcategory 3116, genre subcategory 3120, favoritesubcategory 3124, and search subcategory 3128. As with the applicationpanel described above, content, and optionally dynamic content, can beshown behind the application panel 3104 with the application panel 3104being, for example, transparent or semitransparent. Similarly, on demandinformation shown in the background can be dynamic, with one or more ofthe portions of content therein changing, for example, see FIG. 31 where“London 2012” is being advertised and FIG. 37 where an advertisement ispresented in the dynamic content space for a “space” feature.

As illustrated in FIG. 31, an exemplary embodiment of the informationsubcategory 3108 is shown. Here, information about the currently beingviewed show is shown in section 3132 with information such as, thenumber of seasons, episodes, whether or not it's in high definition(“HD”), whether or not is has Dolby® stereo, and, for example, how manystars it is rated as. A button 3140 can optionally provide an “add tofavorites” option, and, in the bottom portion of the pane, otherrecommended shows shown.

FIG. 32 illustrates in greater detail the new subcategory 3112. In thissubcategory, in portion 3204 newly available content can be listed. InFIG. 33, there is a recommendation portion 3304 that shows the number ofrecommendations based, for example, on one or more of users viewinghabits, recommendations from a content supplier, recommendations fromthe user's friends, or the like.

FIG. 34 illustrates in greater detail the genre subcategory 3120. Thegenre subcategory includes a plurality of different genres in portion3404, with one or more of these genres capable of being drilled downinto to view on demand content associated with that genre. As with theother embodiments, genre can be selected via, for example, an enterbutton which in turn would then display the on demand selectionsavailable for the genre.

FIG. 35 illustrates in greater detail the favorite's subcategory 3124.Here, in portion 3504, the user's favorites are shown with each of thembeing selectable for playback. FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplaryembodiment of the search subcategory 3128. As before, a field isprovided where a user can enter a search term 3604, as well asoptionally one or more previous searches shown in portion 3608. A usercan either a search term or scroll through the previous searches,selecting one, for execution of the search.

FIG. 37 illustrates the exemplary dynamic content that is being provided“behind” the application panel. As discussed, this dynamic content 3704can change in the background while a user is perusing or navigatinginformation in the application panel 3104.

FIGS. 38-43 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the application panel3800 that is associated with media center 460. In accordance with thisexemplary embodiment, there are also a number of subcategories ofinformation within the application panel including, for example,information subcategory 3804, new subcategory 3808, last viewedsubcategory 3812, most viewed subcategory 3816, favorites subcategory3820, and search subcategory 3824. As will be appreciated, since themedia center 460 has different subcategories itself, e.g., showcase, myvideos, my photos, and my devices, the application panel can changebased on each of those subcategories. By way of illustration, theapplication panel associated with the showcase subcategory of the mediacenter 460 is illustrated in FIGS. 38-43.

In FIG. 38 the application panel 3800 includes an information portion3828 that includes, for example, information about a selected video,including, for example, the path to the video, the type of video,whether or not it is in HD, DIVX® or Dolby® certified, the duration ofthe video, creation date, video format, audio format, or in general anyinformation associated with the video. As with the other applicationpanels, there can optionally be provided a button to add the video tofavorites or hide the video if desired by a user. Moreover, there can bea related portion 3832 that shows videos or other content that isrelated to the selected video, here, “video.mp4.”

FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the new subcategory 3808.Here, newly listed content in the media center 460 is shown in portion3904. Information associated with the new content can include, forexample, duration, date information, or in general any informationassociated with the content presented therein, e.g., metadata.

FIG. 40 illustrates in greater detail the last viewed subcategory 3812.Here, in portion 4004, information regarding the last viewed content ispresented. Again, information associated with the last viewed contentcan include duration, date information, whether or not the content is afavorite, or the like. FIG. 41 illustrates in greater detail anexemplary embodiment of the most viewed subcategory 3816. Here, the mostviewed content is displayed in portion 4104. The most viewed content canbe ranked with, for example, the most viewed content displayed first,the next most viewed content second, and so on. As with the otherembodiments, additional information can be associated with each of theindividual content items including, for example, duration information,date information, whether or not the content is a favorite, or the like.FIG. 42 illustrates an exemplary embodiment associated with the favoritesubcategory 3820 of the application panel. Here, a favorite's portion4204 presents content that has been indicated as being a favorite by theuser. Using, for example, button 4208, a user can toggle whether or nota particular piece of content is or is not a favorite. FIG. 43illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the search subcategory 3824. Asdiscussed, this search subcategory works similarly to the otherpreviously discussed search features discussed herein.

FIGS. 44-45 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the application panelassociated with application 464. This applications panel 4400 includestwo subcategories including information subcategory 4404 and recommendedsubcategory 4408. Information subcategory 4404 includes information suchas application name, and selectable buttons to launch, add to favorites,update, or remove the particular application in portion 4412.Optionally, a recommended portion 4416 can be provided where furtherapplications are recommended to the user. In FIG. 45, the recommendedsubcategory 4408 illustrates in portion 4504 other recommendedapplications based on, for example, user preferences, usage information,content supplier, recommendations, or the like.

FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the applicationpanel 4600 associated with other inputs 468. This particular exemplaryapplication panel similarly includes an information subcategory 4604 anda recommended subcategory 4608. The information subcategory 4604illustrated in FIG. 46 includes information such as application name,and selectable buttons to one or more of launch, add to favorites,update and remove the application in portion 4612. A recommendationportion can also optionally be included 4616 that provides otherrecommended applications, content, or the like. FIG. 47 illustrates therecommended subcategory 4608 with portion 4704 showing recommendedapplications to the user. Using, for example, the up and down arrows onthe remote control, and similar to the other embodiments, a user canselect an application for purchase and/or execution by the intelligentTV 100.

FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the transitionbetween Live TV feeds. In FIG. 48, a user has pressed the down button onthe remote control which transitions, via an exemplary scrolling method,from a first Live TV feed 4804 to a second Live TV feed 4808. Similarly,if a user presses the up key on the remote control as illustrated inFIG. 49, the Live TV feed transitions from a first program 4904 to asecond program 4908.

FIG. 50 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of what happens when a userselects the left or right key on the remote control when in Live TV 452.(It is to be appreciated the function of the right-left and up-down keyscould be switched, thereby making the previews scroll in a up-downmanner instead of horizontally.) Here, previews of the availablechannels become available, with, in accordance with this exemplaryembodiment, recommended channels shown on the left-hand side of thedisplay screen 212, and favorite channels shown on the right-hand screenof display screen 212. A user can than scroll through these variouschannels using the left and right keys, with a selected channel beingillustrated with highlight 5016. A user can then select this channel,via, for example, pressing of the enter button which displays thatparticular Live TV feed on display screen 212. Of note, and optionally,for each of the recommended and favorite channels being displayed,information, including a preview of what is currently being shown in aLive TV feed can be shown in these channel preview windows 5004, 5008,and 5012. In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, not onlyinformation about the program, such as title, a brief description, startand end time is shown, but also category information, whether or not theprogram is in HD, whether or not the program has Dolby®, as well as thechannel number and channel identifier are all optionally provided.

As illustrated in FIG. 51, if a user scrolls to the right, all of the“my favorites” channels are shown noting that in the background, thecurrently selected Live TV channel is still being presented. This activeLive TV channel 5104 can persist optionally regardless of the navigationthe user is performing through the other available channels. In FIG. 51,channel 5108 is highlighted, indicated by the highlight box, and uponuser selection, via for example the enter button on the remote control,the channel corresponding to 5108 is displayed, as illustrated in FIG.52.

FIG. 53 illustrates an exemplary method of managing the applicationpanel. In particular, control begins in step S5304 and continues to stepS5308. In step S5308, a request for the application panel is detected.Next, in step S5312, a determination is made as to the underlyingcontent being displayed, e.g., Live TV 452, on demand 456, media center460, applications 464, or other inputs 468. Then, in step S5316, theapplication panel associated with the underlying content being displayedis displayed. Control than continues to step S5320.

In step S5320, the application panel is populated based on theunderlying content and/or context of the underlying content. Next, instep S5324, navigation through the application panel is allowed. Then,in step S5328, a determination is made as to whether content within theapplication panel has been selected for display. If content within theapplication panel is selected for display, control jumps to step S5336where the application panel is closed and the selected content isdisplayed with control continue to step S5340.

Otherwise, control continues to step S5332 where a determination is madeas to whether a request to close the application panel has beenreceived. If a request to close the application panel has been received,control jumps to step S5344 where the application panel is closed andthe previously selected content that was shown in the “background” isdisplayed on display screen 212, with control continuing to step S5348where the control sequence ends.

Otherwise, control jumps back to step S5324.

FIG. 54 outlines an exemplary method of channel navigation. Inparticular, control begins in step S5404 and continues to step S5408. Instep S5408, a channel change request is detected. Next, in step S5412,one or more available channels are populated and displayed in theforeground with, for example, the underlying content being displayed inthe background with the available channels optionally being transparentor semi-transparent. Associated with the one or more available channelscan be information such as a live preview, category information, starttime, stop time, title information, or in general any informationassociated with that available channel. Control than continues to stepS5416.

In step S5416, navigation through the available channels is allowed,with the user optionally being able to select any of the availablechannels through, for example, pressing of the enter or select button onthe remote control. Next, in step S5420, and upon selection of achannel, transition to the selected channel is performed with theselected content being displayed and the available channels beingtransitioned out of view. Control then continues to step S5424 where thecontrol sequence ends.

The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been describedin relation to panels and silos on the Intelligent TV. However, to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the precedingdescription omits a number of known structures and devices. Thisomission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scopes of theclaims. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding ofthe present disclosure. It should however be appreciated that thepresent disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond thespecific detail set forth herein.

Furthermore, while the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and/orconfigurations illustrated herein show the various components of thesystem collocated, certain components of the system can be locatedremotely, at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a LANand/or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should beappreciated, that the components of the system can be combined in to oneor more devices, such as a special purpose computer, or collocated on aparticular node of a distributed network, such as an analog and/ordigital telecommunications network, a packet-switch network, or acircuit-switched network. It will be appreciated from the precedingdescription, and for reasons of computational efficiency, that thecomponents of the system can be arranged at any location within adistributed network of components without affecting the operation of thesystem. For example, the various components can be located in a switchsuch as a PBX and media server, gateway, in one or more communicationsdevices, at one or more users' premises, or some combination thereof.Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system could bedistributed between a telecommunications device(s) and an associatedcomputing device. Moreover, the functionality of the intelligent TVcould optionally be entirely embodied in software (a soft intelligentTV) running on, for example, a computing device, tablet, mediaconsumption device, or the like.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connectingthe elements can be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof,or any other known or later developed element(s) that is capable ofsupplying and/or communicating data to and from the connected elements.These wired or wireless links can also be secure links and may becapable of communicating encrypted information. Transmission media usedas links, for example, can be any suitable carrier for electricalsignals, including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and maytake the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated duringradio-wave and infra-red data communications.

Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated inrelation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciatedthat changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occurwithout materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments,configuration, and aspects.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used.It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosurewithout providing others.

In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of this disclosurecan be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, aprogrammed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integratedcircuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digitalsignal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such asdiscrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array suchas PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means,or the like. In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementingthe methodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the variousaspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for thedisclosed embodiments, configurations and aspects includes computers,handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet enabled, digital,analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Someof these devices include processors (e.g., a single or multiplemicroprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage, input devices, and outputdevices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including,but not limited to, distributed processing or component/objectdistributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machineprocessing can also be constructed to implement the methods describedherein.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be readilyimplemented in conjunction with software using object or object-orientedsoftware development environments that provide portable source code thatcan be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms.Alternatively, the disclosed system may be implemented partially orfully in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSI design. Whethersoftware or hardware is used to implement the systems in accordance withthis disclosure is dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirementsof the system, the particular function, and the particular software orhardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems beingutilized.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be partiallyimplemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium, executedon programmed general-purpose computer with the cooperation of acontroller and memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, orthe like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this disclosurecan be implemented as program embedded on personal computer such as anapplet, JAVA® or CGI script, as a resource residing on a server orcomputer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurementsystem, system component, or the like. The system can also beimplemented by physically incorporating the system and/or method into asoftware and/or hardware system.

Although the present disclosure describes components and functionsimplemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations withreference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects,embodiments, and/or configurations are not limited to such standards andprotocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned hereinare in existence and are considered to be included in the presentdisclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein andother similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein areperiodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents havingessentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents included in thepresent disclosure.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/orconfigurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/orapparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, includingvarious aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments,subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art willunderstand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments,and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. Thepresent disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/orconfigurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absenceof items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects,embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence ofsuch items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g.,for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost ofimplementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosureto the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing DetailedDescription for example, various features of the disclosure are groupedtogether in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations forthe purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects,embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined inalternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than thosediscussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claims require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a singleforegoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodimentof the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or moreaspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations andmodifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications arewithin the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill andknowledge of those in the art, after understanding the presentdisclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternativeaspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted,including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures,functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not suchalternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of managing a panel on an intelligenttelevision (TV) comprising: displaying, by a processor, active contenton a display of the intelligent TV, wherein the active content comprisesone of Live TV content, video-on-demand content, media center content,application content, and content from other inputs, and wherein mediacenter content comprises video, pictures, and audio that are differentfrom the Live TV content and the video-on-demand content; receiving, bythe processor, a user request to provide a panel; determining, by theprocessor, the panel requested by the user is one of a global panel andan application panel, wherein the panel requested by the user hoversabove the active content; after determining the global panel is thepanel requested, determining, by the processor, media source informationto display in the global panel, wherein the media source information isassociated with one or more of a device electrically connected to theintelligent TV, a source for live TV content, and a source forvideo-on-demand (VOD) content, wherein determining media sourceinformation to display in the global panel is not dependent upon thetype of the active content currently displayed on the display of theintelligent TV; after determining the application panel is the panelrequested, determining, by the processor, information to display in theapplication panel, wherein the information to display in the applicationpanel is associated with a type of the active content currentlydisplayed on the display of the intelligent TV, wherein the informationincludes sub-categories of information determined by the type of theactive content currently displayed on the display of the intelligent TVand each sub-category includes selectable information, wherein thesub-categories of information are indicated proximate to the top of theapplication panel, and wherein determining one or more sub-categories ofinformation for the application panel further comprises: when the activecontent comprises Live TV content, the application panel includes anelectronic program guide subcategory; when the active content comprisesvideo-on-demand content, the application panel includes a recommendedsubcategory that includes a number of recommendations based on at leastone of user viewing habits, recommendations from a content supplier, andrecommendations from the user's friends; and when the active contentcomprises media center content, the application panel includes a lastviewed subcategory; and displaying, by the processor, the panelrequested by the user on the display of the intelligent TV including thedetermined information, wherein the panel requested by the user ispartially transparent, and wherein the global panel is displayed on afirst portion of the display and the application panel is displayed on asecond portion of the display that does not overlap the first portion.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising continuing to displayactive content behind the panel requested by the user.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving a selection of content displayedin the application panel; closing the application panel; and displayingthe selected content on the display of the intelligent TV.
 4. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: receiving an input from the user in theapplication panel; determining that the input is a request for differentinformation to display in the application panel; determining thedifferent information to display in the application panel, wherein thedifferent information is associated with the type of the active contentcurrently displayed on the display of the intelligent TV; and displayingthe different information in the application panel.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the media source information includes a type of contentassociated with the source including at least one of a type of deviceconnected to the intelligent TV, a channel for live TV content, and atitle of VOD content.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the panelincludes executable portions.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein theglobal panel is displayed proximate to the left side of the display andthe application panel is displayed proximate to the right side of thedisplay.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein only one of the global paneland the application panel can be displayed by the display at one time.9. A system to manage a panel on an intelligent TV comprising: adisplay; a memory; and a processor in communication with the memory andthe display, the processor operable to: display active content on thedisplay of the intelligent TV, wherein the active content comprises oneof Live TV content, video-on-demand content, media center content,application content, and content from other inputs; receive a userrequest to provide a panel, wherein the panel is one of a global paneland an application panel, wherein the panel requested by the user hoversabove the active content; execute a panel controller adapted to:determine the application panel is the panel requested; in response todetermining that the application panel is the panel requested, determinecontent information to display in the application panel, wherein thecontent information is associated with one of live TV contentinformation, VOD content information, and application contentinformation based on the active content currently displayed on thedisplay of the intelligent TV, wherein the information includessub-categories of information that are determined by the type of theactive content currently displayed on the display of the intelligent TVand each sub-category includes selectable information, wherein thesub-categories of information are indicated proximate to the top of theapplication panel, wherein determining one or more sub-categories ofinformation for the application panel further comprises: when the activecontent comprises Live TV content, the application panel includes anelectronic program guide subcategory; when the active content comprisesvideo-on-demand content, the application panel includes a recommendedsubcategory that includes a number of recommendations based on at leastone of user viewing habits, recommendations from a content supplier, andrecommendations from the user's friends; and when the active contentcomprises media center content, the application panel includes a lastviewed subcategory; determine the global panel is the panel requested;in response to determining that the global panel is the panel requested,determine media source information to display in the global panel,wherein the media source information is associated with one or more of adevice electrically connected to the intelligent TV, a source for liveTV content, and a source for video-on-demand (VOD) content, whereindetermining media source information to display in the global panel isnot dependent upon the type of the active content currently displayed onthe display of the intelligent TV; and execute a display controlleradapted to display the application panel or global panel on a firstportion of the display of the intelligent TV including the determinedcontent information, the first portion different than a second portionof the display associated with the global panel, wherein the applicationis partially transparent.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the displaycontroller is operable to display both the active content and theapplication panel and wherein media center content comprises video,pictures, and audio that are different from the Live TV content and thevideo-on-demand content.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the contentinformation displayed in the application panel is different for each ofLive TV content, VOD content, media center content, application content,and content from other inputs.
 12. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising: the processor receiving an input from the user in theapplication panel; the panel controller determining that the input is arequest for a different sub-category of information; the contentpresentation service determining and providing the requested differentsub-category of information; and the display controller modifying thedisplay of the application panel to include the requested differentsub-category of information.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein: theprocessor is further operable to receive a second user request toprovide a second panel; the display controller is further adapted to:cease display of the application panel on the first portion of thedisplay; and display the global panel on the second portion of thedisplay of the intelligent TV including the determined media sourceinformation.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the media sourceinformation to display in the global panel includes a type of contentassociated with the source including at least one of a type of deviceconnected to the intelligent TV, a channel for live TV content, and atitle of VOD content.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the firstportion is proximate to a right side of the display and the secondportion is proximate to a left side of the display.
 16. The system ofclaim 9, further comprising: the processor receiving a selection ofcontent information displayed in the application panel; the panelcontroller closing the application panel; and the display controllerceasing display of the application panel and displaying the selectedcontent on the display of the intelligent TV.